Racing tragedy as controversial Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit dies aged three in training incident
CONTROVERSIAL Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit has died suddenly in a training incident.
The three-year-old, who tested positive for a banned substance after winning America’s biggest race earlier this year, was running five furlongs this morning.
The Bob Baffert-trained horse had been working at Santa Anita racecourse in California.
Horse Racing board equine medical director Dr Jeff Blea confirmed the tragic news.
Respected journalist Ray Paulick tweeted: “Kentucky Derby first-place finisher Medina Spirit suffered a sudden death after working five furlongs this morning at Santa Anita, Dr Jess Blea @caCHRB equine medical director has confirmed.”
The cause of death has not been confirmed.
But US racing website Thoroughbred Daily News reported it was believed the horse had sadly suffered a heart attack.
Dr Blea told paulickreport.com: “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 toxocology, forensis and tissue sampling.
“We will take a close look at the heart to try and identify the cause of death.”
More to follow.