Medina Spirit trainer Bob Baffert says Kentucky Derby horse died of a heart attack
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Medina Spirit, the first-place finisher of the 147th Kentucky Derby, died Monday morning according to trainer Bob Baffert.
The horse had finished a five-furlong workout at Santa Anita Park in California before he collapsed and died of a heart attack.
Medina Spirit won the Kentucky Derby earlier this year, although that win is being contested after 25 picograms of betamethasone were found in one milliliter of the horse's blood.
Reports: Disputed Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit dies after workout
Bob Baffert's statement on Medina Spirit
Trainer Bob Baffert confirmed the death of Medina Spirit in a statement Monday.
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.
Medina Spirit, a timeline: From a surprise Kentucky Derby win to a potential disqualification
A sad day for horse racing
Social media reacted to the 3-year old's death Monday.
Awesome Again Stakes 🏆
Shared Belief Stakes 🏆
Kentucky Derby 🥇
Rest in peace Medina Spirit. #RIP
📸 @CoadyPhoto pic.twitter.com/CtumEZ7QpK— World Horse Racing (@WHR) December 6, 2021
Indeed, this is a sad day for #horseracing. Rest easy #MedinaSpirit. 🙏🏇🌹 pic.twitter.com/bw4WpJ026n
— Nick J. Hines aka ”Sarge” 🇺🇸 (@Hinesite) December 6, 2021
I have no words.
Rest in peace, Medina Spirit. You were the first Kentucky Derby winner I ever got to do photos of while you wore your yellow saddle cloth and thundered around Churchill Downs.
My heart is broken. I love you, big guy. pic.twitter.com/raBphaeWKf— Anika Miskar Photography (@seattleracing) December 6, 2021
Hayes Gardner can be reached at hgardner@gannett.com; Twitter: @HayesGardner.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Medina Spirit dies: Bob Baffert reacts to Kentucky Derby horse death