Purebred Medina spirit trained by Bob Baffert, winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, dies after training is done
Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit collapsed and died after practice Monday at Santa Anita.
Baffert’s lawyer, Craig Robertson, said the 3-year-old pony trained by Bob Baffert has completed five pulls in his second exercise since finishing second at the Breeders’ Cup Classic a month ago in Del Mar, according to Baffert’s attorney. Craig Robertson, Baffert’s attorney. Baffert said in a statement that the horse suffered a heart attack.
“My whole barn was devastated by this news,” Baffert said. “Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family loved by all, and we deeply mourn his loss. I will always cherish the memories. proud and personal about Medina Spirit and his great spirit.”
Santa Anita released a statement saying the track veterinary team had taken blood, hair and urine samples from Medina Spirit and sent them to the California Horse Racing Board. The foal will undergo a total surgery, at the request of the racing board, to try to determine the exact cause of death.
Medina Spirit tested positive after the May 1 Derby for betamethasone, a legal drug that is not allowed on race day. It was Baffert’s seventh record win in the Derby. After the failed Medina Spirit test, Baffert was suspended by Churchill Downs and barred from importing horses for the 2022 and 2023 Kentucky Derbies. He was also banned by the New York Racing Association from importing horses at the Belmont, Saratoga and Aqueduct racetracks.
Last Friday, Robertson released a statement saying tests performed by a New York lab had “certainly confirmed” Medina Spirit was positive for steroids – not from the injection but from the injection. is caused by ointments used to treat rashes on the skin.
The Kentucky Equestrian Commission is investigating the incident and has yet to hold a hearing that could disqualify Medina Spirit.
In the $6 million BC Classic, Medina Spirit couldn’t muster the late kicks needed to intimidate the Knicks Go winner.
“I’m so proud of him. He ran a great race,” Baffert said last month. “For me, he’s the best 3-year-old. He showed that today. That’s what racing is all about, proving it on the track. And today he did. prove that he’s the real one.”
Baffert is allowed to compete in the season-ending world championships, but the event’s top trainer must meet certain conditions, including more rigorous out-of-competition testing and better security at his barn. He agreed to more scrutiny and was asked to pay for it out of his own pocket.
Medina Spirit had 5 wins in 10 career starts and made $3,545,200, according to Equibase. The pony is owned by Amr Zedan, who competes as Zedan Stables.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to Mr. Amr Zedan and the entire Zedan Racing Stables family,” Baffert said in a statement Monday. “They are in our thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time.”
