THE BROCK TALK

Brock Sheridan

Editor-in-Chief

Florida Equine Communications

JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

The Tragedy of Medina Spirit

Kentucky racing officials finally ruled on the 2021 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade 1) on Feb. 21 after holding a hearing on Feb. 15 and there are now six Florida-bred winners of the Run for the Roses after the disqualification of Medina Spirit. The Florida-bred colt was stripped of his title after a postrace exam conducted at Industrial Laboratories, the official testing laboratory of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and confirmed at University of California Davis that the sample contained the therapeutic steroid betamethasone, a Class C drug that is not considered to be, as some reported, a performance enhancing medication. Betamethasone is legal for equine use in Kentucky but is not allowed on race day.

Juddmonte Farms’ Mandaloun, who finished second behind Medina Spirit, has been declared the winner and the only statement from Churchill Downs regarding the matter says, “[The track now] recognizes Mandaloun as the winner of the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby and extends our congratulations to owner/breeder Juddmonte, trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux. Winning the Kentucky Derby is one of the most exciting achievements in sports and we look forward to celebrating Mandaloun on a future date in a way that is fitting of this rare distinction.”

In addition to the disqualification of Medina Spirit, stewards Barbara Borden, Brooks “Butch” Becraft and Tyler Picklesimer also suspended Baffert for 90 days and fined him $7,500. Borden and Becraft are employed by the KHRC while Picklesimer is an association steward currently employed by Turfway Park and was employed by Churchill Downs during the running of the Derby on May 1.

If this entire saga was a Shakespearean play, it would be difficult to determine if it was a comedy or a tragedy, but the death of Medina Spirit at Santa Anita following a morning workout on Dec. 6 surely would favor the latter.

A necropsy performed on Medina Spirit concluded that there were “no other drugs… or toxins” detected other than omeprazole, a common medication used to treat ulcers; and Lasix, both of which were consistent with a report filed with the California Horse Racing Board by Baffert’s veterinarian. The necropsy, which was performed by California Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory in San Bernadino, Calif., at the request of the CHRB and consistent with all on-track equine deaths in California, stated that the cause of death was “undetermined; sudden cardiorespiratory arrest/cardiac failure suspected.”

There is no argument here against the ruling by the Churchill Downs and KHRC officials, however, it should be pointed out that additional testing ordered by Baffert and his legal team determined that the betamethasone found in Medina Spirit was applied in the form of an ointment and was not injected. Therefore, it is likely Baffert and his team will appeal the decision to the Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KHRC rules.

It should also be noted that innocent people have been hurt by this tragedy, including Gail Rice, who bred Medina Spirit in Florida; owner Amr Zedan, jockey John Velazquez and many others associated with Medina Spirit who can now only claim their association with a former Kentucky Derby winner—unless of course the appeal process at some point goes in favor of Baffert and his legal team. It should also be recognized that those that bet on Mandaloun also took a financial hit.

But the appeal process is likely to continue and unfortunately this saga will continue. Whether the 147th Derby winner is Medina Spirit or Mandaloun as now to be determined by the courts, the circumstances have been damaging to the sport and those enthusiasts who breed, race, watch and bet on thoroughbred racing. FH

“I’ve been on this farm for almost 50 years. Our St Patrick’s Day yearlings are as nice as any horses we’ve ever raised!”

– LARRY KING-STONEHEDGE FARM

Full Brother to American Pharoah Pioneerof the Nile – Littleprincessemma, by Yankee Gentleman 2022 Fee: $5,000 (s&n)

Bred by Courtney Meagher / Sold by Beth Bayer

BRYAN RICE-WOODSIDE RANCH:

“I’ve got 2 yearlings by St Patrick’s Day. Both are good sized, well-balanced and correct. They look the part! I’m breeding both mares back to him!”

ASHLEY GODWIN-RIVERMONT FARM:

“My St Patrick’s Day colt is spectacular! I’m breeding his dam back to him!”

BRANDON RICE-RICEHORSE STABLES:

“My two St Patrick’s Day yearlings have the length and the strength, plus a great hip. They’re the best foals out of these mares to date!”

JIM LOEBIG-RED SUNSET FARM:

“My St Patrick’s Day yearlings are so nice, I’m breeding back to him!”

JOHN GLEASON-WOODFORD THOROUGHBREDS:

“Our St Patrick’s Day colt is a well balanced, good moving colt with substance and eye appeal!”

COURTNEY MEAGHER:

“This colt was an all star from day one. People loved him at OBS January!”

Brent & Crystal Fernung, Owners 5571 NW 100th St., Ocala, FL 34482 Office: 352.629.1200 | Fax: 352.629.1201 www.JourneymanStallions.com