Medina Spirit, disputed Kentucky Derby winner at the center of doping scandal, dies of a heart attack at training session: Bob Baffert-trained colt, 3, tested positive for banned substance in May By Alex Raskin Sports News Editor For Dailymail.com Published: 18:04 GMT, 6 December 2021 | Updated: 18:04 GMT, 6 December 2021 Viewcomments Medina Spirit, the disputed Kentucky Derby winner at the center of horse racing's doping scandal, has died from an apparent heart attack following a training session in California, according to multiple reports. The Bob Baffert-trained colt had just completed a five-furlong workout at Santa Anita Park, according to Thoroughbred Daily News. California Horse Racing Board equine medical director Jeff Blea and Dionne Benson also confirmed the report to Bloodhorse.com. 'I just heard. He had a heart attack,' owner Amr Zedan told TDN. 'It was quick and he didn't suffer. It's unfortunate. In a moment like this there is not much that we can do. All I can say is that he gave us the ride of our lives and brought everyone together. We are mourning this loss, Bob [Baffert], myself, our team and Johnny [Velazquez], as well. We are all very sad.' The cause of the heart attack was not immediately known. 'We don't know the cause and sometimes even after the necropsy, we don't know,' Benson told BloodHorse. Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, a banned substance, in May and was banned from running in the Belmont Stakes, the third and final leg of the triple crown. Clark Brewster, an attorney for Zedan Racing, said the testing of the sample was completed by the New York Racing Laboratory and 'scientifically confirmed' Medina Spirit was not injected with betamethasone. A split sample test for the three-year-old confirmed that the presence of betamethasone was from a topical ointment, Brewster said. 'The Kentucky Racing Commission has steadfastly enacted rules relating to corticosteroid joint injection and have drawn a bright line rule that no injections are permitted within 14 days of a race,' read the statement. 'Now there is zero doubt that the 14-day rule some thought might have been violated by the earlier, less specific testing is revealed as premature judgment. That groundless accusation is without scientific merit.' Baffert, a seven-times Kentucky Derby winner, was banned by Churchill Downs for two years following the failed drug test. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility