Multiple reports claim that Medina Spirit (the disputed Kentucky Derby winner) has passed away from an apparent heart attack after a California training session.
According to Thoroughbred Daily News, the Bob Baffert-trained colt just finished a five-furlong exercise at Santa Anita Park. The report was confirmed by Bloodhorse.com by Dionne Benson and Jeff Blea, California Horse Racing Board’s Equine Medical Director.
“I heard it.” TDN’s owner Amr Zedan said that the victim suffered from a cardiac arrest. He didn’t have to suffer. It’s unfortunate. There is nothing we can do in a situation like this. He gave us the best ride and brought people together. Bob is in our hearts. [Baffert]Johnny, my team, and I. [Velazquez]You are, too. It is very difficult for us all to be so sad.
It was unclear at this time what caused the heart attack.
Benson said to BloodHorse, “We don’t have a cause, and sometimes even after the necropsy we don’t understand,”
Medina Spirit was the Kentucky Derby winner who has been accused of doping. She died after an apparently heart attack during a California-based training session.
Bob Baffert, Trainer (L), Jockey John Velazquez(C), and Amr Zedan, Horse Owner, hold the trophy of the Kentucky Derby winners after the 147th Running at Churchill Downs.
Bob Baffert brought Medina Spirit, the Kentucky Derby winner, back to the barn the day after the race. Baffert is the seventh Kentucky Derby winner with Medina Spirit on May 2.
Medina Spirit was found to have tested positive for betamethasone in May. She was therefore banned from participating in Belmont Stakes. This is the final leg in the Triple Crown.
Clark Brewster is an attorney representing Zedan Racing. He said that the New York Racing Laboratory tested the sample and found no evidence of betamethasone injection. Brewster confirmed the presence of betamethasone in the dog’s three-year old by performing a split-sample test.
The statement stated that the Kentucky Racing Commission had’steadfastly adopted rules relating corticosteroid joint injection and have drawn a brightline rule that injectables cannot be done within 14 days following a race’.
“Now, there’s no doubt that some 14-day rule was violated by earlier, more specific testing. This is premature judgment. This baseless claim is not supported by scientific evidence.
Churchill Downs ban Baffert after the failed drug testing.