A necropsy carried out on 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit confirmed no definitive explanation for loss of life, based on outcomes launched by the California Horse Racing Board on Friday. The colt collapsed and died after a exercise on December 6 at Santa Anita.
Coach Bob Baffert stated the colt suffered a coronary heart assault. Medina Spirit had simply accomplished 5 furlongs in his second exercise since ending second within the Breeders' Cup Traditional in November.
The necropsy report stated Medina Spirit's swollen lungs and foam in his windpipe, in addition to enlarged spleen and congestions and delicate hemorrhages in different tissues "are widespread in horses dying out of the blue, and are appropriate with, however not particular for a cardiac explanation for loss of life."
Medina Spirit's Kentucky Derby victory final Might got here underneath scrutiny after he examined optimistic for betamethasone, a authorized medicine that's not allowed on race day in Kentucky.
Consequently, Baffert was suspended by Churchill Downs and barred from getting into horses within the 2022 and 2023 Kentucky Derbies. He additionally was banned by the New York Racing Affiliation from getting into horses at its Belmont, Saratoga and Aqueduct tracks.
The necropsy on Medina Spirit discovered the anti-ulcer medicine omeprazole and the diuretic Lasix in blood and urine samples in keeping with the medicine report filed with CHRB by the attending veterinarian.
The report stated no different medicine, heavy metals or toxicants have been detected.
The necropsy included gross examination of the physique and inside organs, and specimen assortment for microscopic examination, toxicology, drug testing, and genetic testing, with specimens additionally saved for attainable future testing.
After the examination was accomplished, Medina Spirit was cremated, the CHRB stated.
In the course of the necropsy, the horse was examined for apparent causes of loss of life and visually obvious abnormalities. Tissue samples have been collected from the center, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, abdomen, intestines, muscle, mind, spinal wire, testicles, and different glands, and have been examined underneath the microscope for proof of abnormalities.
Liver tissue was examined for heavy metals, anticoagulants, pesticides, environmental contaminants, medicine, and different merchandise. Blood and urine samples have been screened for the presence of tons of of gear, each authorized medicines and prohibited medicine, together with erythropoietin (EPO), clenbuterol, and betamethasone.
Subsequent comes a required overview of the necropsy report, which can be completed by Dr. Alina Vale. A security steward and a member of the board of stewards may even take part within the overview.
Any potential rule violations uncovered within the overview course of can be investigated by the CHRB and would lead to a grievance and attainable disciplinary motion.