Medina Spirit death 'not established' in extensive tests say US racing board

A necropsy examining the sudden death of Kentucky Derby first-place finisher Medina Spirit could not determine why the colt collapsed and died after a December workout at Santa Anita, the California Horse Racing Board announced on Friday.

Omeprazole, an anti-ulcer medication, and furosemide (Lasix), a diuretic used to control respiratory bleeding, were detected in blood and urine samples consistent with the medication report filed by Medina Spirit's attending veterinarian, the CHRB reported.

"A definitive cause of death was not established despite extensive testing," the CHRB said in a statement about the Bob Baffert-trained horse.

Medina Spirit had swollen lungs, foam in his windpipe and an enlarged spleen, all common when horses die suddenly, the board said. Those conditions are "compatible with, but not specific for a cardiac cause of death", it said.

His sudden death followed the controversy related to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in May.

Post-race test results taken following the Derby showed the presence of the corticosteroid betamethasone, a finding that placed Medina Spirit at risk of disqualification after a scheduled hearing with Kentucky stewards on February 14. Baffert also could be fined or suspended.

Acting as a private property owner, Churchill Downs Inc. has suspended Baffert from racing at its tracks through the middle of 2023.

Baffert claims Medina Spirit tested positive due to treatment for a skin condition on the colt's hindquarters with the anti-fungal ointment Otomax. His attorneys argue that Otomax led Medina Spirit to test positive specifically for betamethasone valerate, which differs from betamethasone acetate, the type of betamethasone given to horses via injections, with a recommended 14-day withdrawal time before racing.

Medina Spirit passed tests for prohibited raceday medications during the remainder of his three-year-old season last year, including in his final race, a second-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. That followed a victory from him in the Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita in October.

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