Former President Donald Trump released a statement Sunday about the disputed winner of the Kentucky Derby, saying the controversy reflects the current state of the country.
“So now even our Kentucky Derby winner, Medina Spirit, is a junky,” Trump’s statement read. “This is emblematic of what is happening to our country. The whole world is laughing at us as we go to hell on our borders, our fake presidential election, and everywhere else!”
Trump put out the remarks after it was announced Medina Spirit failed a drug test and could potentially be disqualified, Mediaite reported.
If another test sample comes back positive, Medina Spirit would be stripped of the title, which would the be given to Mandaloun, the runner-up in the May 1 race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Newsweek reported.
Medina Spirit’s trainer Bob Baffert said the horse was not doped.
Despite his denials, Churchill Downs released a statement, banning Baffert from entering any horses at its track.
“It is our understanding that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s post-race blood sample indicated a violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s equine medication protocols,” the statement read, according to Newsweek. “The connections of Medina Spirit have the right to request a test of a split sample and we understand they intend to do so. To be clear, if the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit’s results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner.”
“Given the seriousness of the alleged offense, Churchill Downs will immediately suspend Bob Baffert, the trainer of Medina Spirit, from entering any horses at Churchill Downs Racetrack,” the statement added. “We will await the conclusion of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commissions’ investigation before taking further steps.”
Two years ago, while president, Trump also weighed in on another controversial winner of the Kentucky Derby, Mediaite reported.
Maximum Security, the first horse to cross the finish line at the Derby in 2019, was disqualified some 20 minutes later after the stewards determined they interfered with other horses toward the end of the race. Country House was awarded the victory.
“The Kentucky Derby decision was not a good one,” Trump said then. “It was a rough and tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch. Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby – not even close!”
Story cited here.
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