Medina Spirit, who unsuccessful drug check just after winning 2021 Kentucky Derby, dies throughout workout
Medina Spirit, who failed a drug test soon after he received the Kentucky Derby this yr, died all through a workout Monday early morning in California.
The horse collapsed in instruction at Santa Anita and suffered an apparent heart attack, his coach, Bob Baffert, stated.
Baffert stated his “complete barn” was devastated by the 3-year-aged colt’s death.
“Medina Spirit was a terrific champion, a member of our spouse and children who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss,” Baffert reported in a statement. “I will generally cherish the proud and personalized memories of Medina Spirit and his huge spirit. Our most honest condolences go out to Mr. Amr Zedan and the whole Zedan Racing Stables spouse and children.”
California’s Horse Racing Board said Medina Spirit was just finishing his training when he collapsed at the end line. He died instantaneously, the board said.
“All horses that die in amenities regulated by the California Horse Racing Board endure postmortem (necropsy) assessment at a California Animal Well being and Foodstuff Security diagnostic laboratory below the auspices of the College of California, Davis,” the racing board claimed.
An formal bring about of dying awaits the final results of the examination and toxicology reports.
The horse tested constructive for betamethasone after the Kentucky Derby on May well 1. Betamethasone is a lawful medication that is not permitted on race days.
Baffert denied accusations that he experienced drugged the horse soon after a break up urine take a look at, declaring the drug was in Medina Spirit’s system because of a topical ointment.
The controversy still left a stain on the legacies of Baffert and Medina Spirit. Baffert was suspended from the Churchill Downs keep track of for two decades in June.
Baffert sued for more screening to demonstrate that the betamethasone had occur from the ointment, Otomax. The horse was not formally disqualified at the time of his demise as the investigation was ongoing.
Santa Anita has also been subject to investigation in new years. California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered an independent evaluate following 29 horses died at the racetrack in 2018 and 2019. A report revealed last year by the California Horse Racing Board cleared the track of felony wrongdoing, declaring there was no evidence of animal cruelty or illegal carry out.
The board did, nonetheless, endorse a collection of changes right after necropsies uncovered that several of the horses who died at Santa Anita experienced pre-existing issues.
Some of the recommendations involved a standardized protocol for when to go races off, more veterinary evaluation, digitizing veterinary information for the horses and extra regular testing of track surfaces.
CORRECTION (Dec. 6, 2021, 9:25 p.m. ET): A previous variation of this report misspelled the 1st identify of the governor of California. He is Gavin Newsom, not Gavon.
