Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit collapses, dies in California | Southern Idaho Sports

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit collapsed and died after a exercise Monday on the Santa Anita racetrack in California.

The 3-year-old colt skilled by Bob Baffert had simply accomplished 5 furlongs in his second exercise since ending second within the Breeders’ Cup Classic a month in the past at Del Mar, in line with Craig Robertson, Baffert’s legal professional.

Baffert stated in an announcement that the horse suffered a coronary heart assault.

Santa Anita spokesman Mike Willman additionally confirmed the colt’s dying.

The colt will endure a full necropsy, which is required by the California Horse Racing Board.

Medina Spirit examined constructive after the May 1 Derby for betamethasone, a authorized treatment that’s not allowed on race day. It was Baffert’s report seventh win within the Derby.

Last Friday, Robertson launched an announcement saying that exams accomplished by a New York lab have “definitely confirmed” Medina Spirit examined constructive for the steroid — not by means of an injection however resulting from an ointment used to deal with a pores and skin rash.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has been investigating the case, and has but to carry a listening to that would probably disqualify Medina Spirit.

In the $6 million BC Classic, Medina Spirit could not muster the mandatory late kick to threaten winner Knicks Go.

“I’m very proud of him. He ran a great race,” Baffert stated final month. “To me, he’s the best 3-year-old. He showed it today. That’s what racing is all about, proving it on the racetrack. And he proved it today that he’s the real 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 better 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 line with Equibase. The colt was owned by Amr Zedan, who competes as Zedan Racing Stables.