The California Horse Racing Board has released a statement on the passing of the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit on Monday, Dec. 6 at Santa Anita.

THe CHRB statement reads: "The three-year-old colt Medina Spirit, trained by Bob Baffert, was just completing a workout on the main track at Santa Anita this morning (December 6) when he collapsed near the finish line. He died immediately. This is termed a sudden death. All horses that die within facilities regulated by the California Horse Racing Board undergo postmortem (necropsy) examination at a California Animal Health and Food Safety diagnostic laboratory under the auspices of the University of California, Davis. Cause of death cannot be determined until the necropsy and toxicology tests have been completed."

The attached page from the CHRB annual report provides a detailed explanation of the Equine Postmortem Program.

Medina Spirit made headlines earlier this year winning the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby, first leg of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing, and the controversial fallout of a post-race positive test for betamethasone, a prohibited race-day medication. The result remains under investigation with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission yet to hold a hearing.

Owned by Zedan Racing Stables, Medina Spirit earned more than $3.5 million in his racing career with a record reading 5-4-1 from 10 starts. The multiple graded stakes winner most recently ran in the Breeders' Cup Classic on November 6 at Del Mar, finishing second to Knicks Go.

(With files from CHRB)