Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit collapsed and died after a workout Monday at Santa Anita. The 3-year-old colt trained by Bob Baffert had just completed five furlongs in his second workout since finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic a month ago at Del Mar, according to Craig Robertson, Baffert’s attorney.
Santa Anita spokesman Mike Willman also confirmed the colt’s death.
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The colt will undergo a full necropsy, which is required by the California Horse Racing Board.
“I spoke to the attending veterinarian, and when they got to him on the track he had already expired. Not sure where on the track it happened but it was post wire. I will have them draw blood and pull hair and will try and get urine for testing. He’ll go out to UC Davis in San Bernardino, for a full and comprehensive necropsy including toxicology, forensics and tissue sampling. We will take a close look at the heart to try and identify the cause of death.” said Dr Blea, former American Association of Equine Practitioners president
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Medina Spirit tested positive after the May 1 Derby for betamethasone, a legal medication that is not allowed on race day.
Last Friday, Robertson released a statement saying that tests done by a New York lab have “definitely confirmed” Medina Spirit tested positive for the steroid not through an injection but due to an ointment used to treat a skin rash.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has been investigating the case, and has yet to hold a hearing that could possibly disqualify Medina Spirit.
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Medina Spirit had five wins in 10 career starts and earnings of $3,545,200, according to Equibase. The colt was owned by Amr Zedan, who competes as Zedan Racing Stables.
Puerto Rican jockey John Velazquez piloted Medina Spirit to the Kentucky Derby earlier this year. The colt was owned by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Godolphin stables.