Horse Racing

Maylin: The ultimate study of the Medina spirit is far from over


In the summer of 2021, Judge Thomas Wingate of the Kentucky State Court urged both parties Medina Spirit Dispute a positive test to get results from Dr. George Maylin’s scientific examination of the urine samples so that resolution of the issue can progress. Nearly a year later, Maylin said his full research regarding specific trials is still incomplete.

According to testimony he gave in the June 10 deposition, Maylin read about coach Bob Baffert’s claim that betamethasone was found in Medina Spirit’s blood after the 2021 Kentucky Derby due to Woodford Reserve (G1). ) presented at Churchill Downs Derived from Otomax, a drug for skin rashes.

That betamethasone positivity would eventually lead Kentucky administrators to disqualify Medina Spirit and order Baffert’s suspension and fine — actions that are being appealed.

Maylin, director of the New York Horse Drug Testing and Research Laboratory, where post-race samples are regularly tested for banned substances, said he made the decision on his own, with Belmont Stocks. 2021 released by NYRA Bets (G1) a few weeks after the Derby, “I’d better see if, in fact, (topical) Otomax … could lead to a positive test result… “

Maylin said he discussed the possibility of problems in Belmont in mid-May 2021 with Ronald Ochrym, acting Director of the Racing Division at the New York State Game Commission.

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According to his testimony, Maylin became more involved in June 2021 when veterinarian Clara Fenger, on behalf of Zedan Racing Stables’ Medina Spirit connections, asked if he had performed the test and research on this issue. Maylin agreed to do it.

In the meantime, Maylin and her lab colleagues applied Otomax and collected urine samples from two study thoroughbred mares in May and August 2021, and urine samples from Medina Spirit. was delivered to him on July 14, 2021. The waiting period was several months while another laboratory worked to develop the metabolites needed for testing.

A December 3, 2021 report letter from Maylin to the Baffert attorneys and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said he had examined both samples from Medina Spirit and two study mares, and the analyses. from the ingredients of Otomax found in both. The letter concludes, “We consider this a research project to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and as such will remain confidential until the data is submitted for review.”

And in that is rubbing. Although Maylin disclosed to KHRC and Baffert/Zedan in the lab about Medina Spirit’s urine testing, he declined and still refused to provide details of the written analysis of the lab study. tested on two mares.

Furthermore, under questioning by KHRC attorney Jennifer Wolsing, Maylin said his work on test mares has not been peer-reviewed or shared with another lab and it will not be peer-reviewed until “we get the final result.” When asked about the time, Maylin initially said, “I’m not sure,” then added, “within a year.”

The study can be completed, Maylin said, “when we have enough data to submit to a scientific journal … a substantial amount of additional research, additional management trials.”

“What’s the point of continuing to test and use this drug on more horses?” Wolsing asked Maylin.

“Our main job is to test blood and urine samples from racehorses,” Maylin replied. “This is not a high priority in our day-to-day work. And we’ll get the job done when we can.”

Pressed for more information, Maylin said he would need to test at least eight horses for publishable results.

In denying access to the work, Maylin testified that there was California precedent stating that he did not need to publish his research on experimental horses and that he was not willing to release it even if he had. protection order restricts its dissemination.

“So we’re basically just taking your word for it (research); is that correct?” Wolsing asked.

Maylin replied, “Or you can do your own research.”

Otomax is applied in the Gaskin area of ​​a Mare test, another application around the mouth

Maylin testified that his understanding of Otomax was applied to a “back leg” of God Medina based on his assessment of a photograph he saw in BloodHorse. He testified that Otomax was applied to a test mare in the dog coat area. The skin of the foot is the part of the hind leg that lies between the ankle and the ankle, corresponding to the area between the knee and the ankle.

Medina Spirit - dermatitis
Photo: Courtesy Bob Baffert

According to trainer Bob Baffert, this photo shows the inflammation of the skin on Medina Spirit’s hind legs

BloodHorse reported May 11, 2021, according to a statement issued by Baffert, that his staff treated Medina Spirit’s posterior scalp inflammation with Otomax.

Otomax was placed on another test mare in her mouth around her lips and on her tongue in case Medina Spirit licked the area where the drug was applied, Maylin said.

A test full of objections

Maylin showed up at her Zoom headquarters with an attorney appearing from afar, Joseph Farraldo. Craig Robertson appeared for Baffert, and there was no appearance of attorney for owner Amr Zedan or his racing corporation. Between Robertson and Farraldo, they protested 134 times during Wolsing’s direct examination of Maylin, including 113 pages of the transcript obtained by BloodHorse.



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