Medina Spirit dies: Everything we know about Kentucky Derby winner’s passing

Medina Spirit, who won the 2021 Kentucky Derby, died on Monday after a workout at Santa Anita Park. The horse’s death is under investigation.

The cause of death is said to be a heart attack, as Medina Spirit collapsed after a workout. Medina Spirit is trained by Bob Baffert.

“My entire barn is devastated by this news,” Baffert said in a statement released by his attorney. “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.”

Medina Spirit finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and third in the Preakness Stakes. The horse trained by the Hall of Famer Baffert also tested positive for a steroid cream, which resulted in a suspension issued to Baffert in July. That suspension was overturned in New York.

Medina Spirit dies: Incident under investigation

Per the AP, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has already started investigating the case. Necropsy and toxicology studies will provide more information.

Medina Spirit worth

The horse was a phenomenal rags to riches story, as he was bought at an auction for $1,000. At the time of its unfortunate death, it was worth $50 million.

Medina Spirit trainer: Is Bob Baffert to blame?

We don’t yet have enough information to pin Medina Spirit’s death on any training techniques. Yet, this isn’t the first time Baffert has been in the news for the wrong reasons of late, especially with his treatment of the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner.

Medina Spirit age: How old was he?

Medina Spirit was just three years old. The average lifespan of racehorses is 27 years.

Medina Spirit owner: Who is Amr Zedan?

Zedan is a Saudi Arabian businessman who owned Medina Spirit. Baffert released a statement offering condolences to the Zedan family.

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

We’ll have more on this story as it becomes available.