3-year-old race champion Medina Spirit has died

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher 

The horse racing community is mourning, as 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit has died. The horse was working out on Monday morning at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. 

The horse then collapsed and died. The horse was three-years-old.

“My entire barn is devastated by this news,” legendary trainer Bob Baffert said. “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.” 

While Medina Spirit is the winner of the Kentucky Derby, it has been discovered that the horse had an illegal substance in its body during the win. Therefore, the race results are under investigation.

Baffert has also been suspended following the news. 

If the race results are overturned, once the investigation is completed, then Mandaloun may be declared the winner. At this time, we do not know when the investigation will be completed.

According to Equibase, Medina Spirit had five wins in 10 starts. The horse has $3.5 million in earnings. 

Amr Zedan is the owner of the horse. He competes out of the Zedan Racing Stables. 

“Our most sincere condolences go out to Mr. Amr Zedan and the entire Zedan Racing Stables family,” Baffert said in his statement. “They are in our thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time.”