Full Keynote Tests Positive in Martínez de Hoz; Split Sample Results Awaited
- Turf Diario
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
The son of Full Mast, who had been nominated for the G1 Latinoamericano, will lose his spot if the result is confirmed; trainer Diego Peña under provisional suspension.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – A bombshell report shook the foundations of Argentine racing this Friday, forcing a total recalibration of the international landscape. What began as a rumor quickly turned into certainty following a report by journalist Gustavo González for Turf Class: the bay Full Keynote, the brilliant winner of the Gran Premio Miguel A. Martínez de Hoz (G1) on the San Isidro turf, has returned a positive drug test.
The news comes as a major blow to the national industry, particularly because the Gran Muñeca color-bearer had already been officially named by the Jockey Club Argentino as its representative for the upcoming Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), scheduled for April 26 at Monterrico in Lima, Peru.
As explained by Enrique Piccardo, president of the racing commission at San Isidro, the substance detected by the track’s laboratory—the only one in the country that processes its own samples—was the anti-inflammatory dexamethasone. While protocol dictates that the opening of the split sample (frasco testigo) will take place next Thursday, in practice, the chances of a counter-test reversing the initial finding are slim. Consequently, a DQ (disqualification) for the son of Full Mast from last Saturday’s race is virtually a foregone conclusion, carrying with it the immediate withdrawal of his nomination for the continental showpiece.
It is a significant setback for Diego Peña’s team, which, following Full Keynote’s upset victory as an outsider in the Martínez de Hoz, was looking forward to the Stud-Haras Gran Muñeca’s debut in South America's most prestigious race. The stable, which has been on a phenomenal run led by the likes of Moon Frank (Gidu) and the standout Full Serrano (Full Mast), will now have to watch the Latinoamericano from the sidelines—at least with this runner—pending final confirmation.
The bay’s victory over Thor Medina (Mootasadir) and Chelato (Cosmic Trigger) had restored the stakes profile he first hinted at as a juvenile, but the rigor of chemical analysis has halted the dream before it could take flight. Under these circumstances, the Jockey Club must resolve shortly which horse will fill the gate vacated by Full Keynote.
As OSAF (South American Organization for the Promotion of Thoroughbreds) awaits the final list of nominees and extra-classified entries to join figures like Chile's Teao (Mendelssohn) or Brazilian champion Obataye (Courtier), the Argentine delegation suffers its first administrative and health-related setback.
The clock is now ticking to designate a replacement capable of competing for the $300,000 purse awaiting on the Monterrico turf.
