#US RACING: Medina Spirit dies after workout

Medina Spirit, embattled winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, died Monday at Santa Anita, trainer Bob Baffert’s attorney Craig Robertson confirmed to Horse Racing Nation.

The news was first reported by Bill Finley of the Thoroughbred Daily News.

“Very sad,” Robertson said in a text message confirming the news.

Robertson later issued a statement from Baffert confirming the colt’s death was from an apparent heart attack.

“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 the statement.

Medina Spirit's Kentucky Derby victory has been in dispute because of a finding of betamethasone in a post-race drug test. Baffert claims it was administered topically for a skin condition, rather than injected as an anti-inflammatory.

The Protonico colt won his only race in 2020 and had a record this year of 9: 4-4-1. Other graded-stakes wins came in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) and the Awesome Again. He finished second to Knicks Go in the Breeders' Cup Classic last month.

Bred by Gail Rice, out of Mongolian Changa, Medina Spirit was initially a $1,000 purchase by pinhooker Christy Whitman. Bought by Zedan Racing Stables at the 2020 Ocala Breeders’ July 2-year-olds and horses of racing age auction for $35,000, Medina Spirit had career earnings of $3,545,200.

Rice told told HRN she was deeply saddened by the colt’s passing.

“My lasting memory of him is when I kissed him in the winner’s circle at the Kentucky Derby,” Rice said. “That to me was like the culmination of everything a breeder is hoping for in their life.”

THE STATEMENT

Craig Robertson, attorney for trainer Bob Baffert, issued the following statement Monday after the death of Medina Spirit, disputed winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby:

"It is with great sadness that I am reporting Medina Spirit passed away today from a heart attack at Santa Anita following a workout. My entire barn is devastated by this news.

"Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss. 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. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time."