Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit collapsed and died after a exercise Monday at Santa Anita.
The three-year-old colt educated by Bob Baffert had simply accomplished 5 furlongs in his second exercise since ending second within the Breeders’ Cup Basic a month in the past at Del Mar, in accordance with Craig Robertson, Baffert’s lawyer. Baffert mentioned in an announcement that the horse suffered a coronary heart assault.
“My whole barn is devastated by this information,” Baffert mentioned. “Medina Spirit was an ideal champion, a member of our household who was cherished by all, and we’re deeply mourning his loss. I’ll all the time cherish the proud and private reminiscences of Medina Spirit and his large spirit.”
The colt will bear a full necropsy, which is required by the California Horse Racing Board.
Medina Spirit examined constructive after the Could 1 Derby for betamethasone, a authorized medicine that isn’t allowed on race day. It was Baffert’s report seventh win within the Derby.
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Final Friday, Robertson launched an announcement saying that assessments executed by a New York lab have “positively confirmed” Medina Spirit examined constructive for the steroid — not via an injection however as a consequence of an ointment used to deal with a pores and skin rash.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Fee has been investigating the case, and has but to carry a listening to that would probably disqualify Medina Spirit.
Within the $6 million BC Basic, Medina Spirit couldn’t muster the mandatory late kick to threaten winner Knicks Go.
“I’m very pleased with him. He ran an ideal race,” Baffert mentioned final month. “To me, he’s one of the best 3-year-old. He confirmed it as we speak. That’s what racing is all about, proving it on the racetrack. And he proved it as we speak that he’s the actual deal.”
Baffert was allowed to enter horses within the season-ending world championships, however the occasion’s money-leading coach needed to meet sure situations, together with stricter out-of-competition testing of his horses and higher safety at his barn. He agreed to the additional scrutiny and was required to pay for it out of his personal pocket.
Medina Spirit had 5 wins in 10 profession begins and earnings of $3,545,200, in accordance with Equibase. The colt was owned by Amr Zedan, who competes as Zedan Racing Stables.
“Our most honest condolences exit to Mr. Amr Zedan and the complete Zedan Racing Stables household,” Baffert mentioned in his assertion. “They’re in our ideas and prayers as we undergo this tough time.”
