Horse trainer Bob Baffert has vehemently denied allegations that the 2018 Triple-Crown winner Justify was intentionally given performance-enhancing drugs. Baffert’s statement comes following a report that the horse failed a drug test following last year’s Santa Anita Derby, but was still allowed to compete for the Triple Crown.
Baffert said that the Scopolamine found in Justify’s system after the horse won the Santa Anita Derby in April of 2018 was due to “the presence of Jimson Weed in feed, a naturally growing substance in areas where hay and straw are produced in California.” However according to the report, Justify failed a drug test immediately after winning the Santa Anita Derby. Following the Santa Anita Derby, Justify went on to win the Triple Crown.
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