Medina Spirit, Kentucky Derby-winning horse that failed drug test, dies

The horse that won the Kentucky Derby but failed a drug test shortly after, causing controversy for his trainer Bon Baffert, has died.

Medina Spirit was working out at an Santa Anita Park in California at 7:45am on Monday when he collapsed near the finish line, the Los Angeles Times reported. Sirens went off as the horse ambulance arrived and the three-year-old was taken from the track.

His death was confirmed by the California Horse Racing Board.

‘At the end of the breeze, he was slowing down at the wire,’ said Dr Jeff Blea, the board’s equine medical director.

‘Right after the wire, he looked odd, and you could see the horse stagger and then he just laid down past the wire. Track vets got to him right away, but he was already gone. These types of things are presumed to be cardiovascular events.’

Medina Spirit possibly having a heart attack, sources close to Baffert told WLKY.

Baffert said his ‘entire barn’ was heartbroken by Medina Spirit’s death.

‘Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss,’ Baffert said in a statement to NBC News.

‘I will always cherish the proud and personal memories of Medina Spirit and his tremendous spirit. Our most sincere condolences go out to Mr Amr Zedan and the entire Zedan Racing Stables family.’

The horse tested positive for a steroid shortly after winning the Derby on May 1 at Churchill Downs. As a result, Baffert was suspended from Churchill Downs and prohibited from competing there in 2022 and 2023.

Medina Spirit’s title as the winner of the 2021 Derby has been questioned but still stands.

Medina Spirit won five of 10 lifetime races, including Awesome Again. He finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, his last race, in Del Mar, California.

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