Medina Spirit, the horse who failed a drug test after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby, passed away on Monday due to a heart attack after training in California.
This is very sad news for the horse racing community. Medina Spirit tested positive for a steroid after winning the Kentucky Derby in May because of an ointment used to treat a skin condition. However, the title remains intact and hasn't been taken away from the horse.
The trainer, Bob Baffert, was suspended by Churchill Downs and banned from participating in the 2022 and 2023 Kentucky Derbys because of the drug test. Nevertheless, it's extremely sad to see Medina Spirit die just under a year after winning the most prestigious race in the sport. The colt was only 3 years old as well.
The investigations continue into the substance given to the horse, however. Medina Spirit had raced four times since the big victory, placing third in the Preakness Stakes and second in the Breeders' Cup Classic. It was recently proven that the steroid did come from the topical ointment and not an injection, which means Baffert was telling the truth all along about the situation.
Rest in peace Medina Spirit, you'll forever be a champion in the horse racing world.