Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit dies

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, who failed a drug test after this year's race, died of a heart attack on Monday following a workout at a California racetrack.

Under jockey John Velazquez, Medina Spirit finished first by a half-length at the Kentucky Derby in May to give trainer Bob Baffert a record seventh win in the $3 million Run for the Roses.

In a statement, Baffert said Medina Spirit collapsed and died of a heart attack Monday after a workout at Santa Anita, adding (quote), "My entire barn is devastated by this news. Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss."

The colt’s owner, Amr Zedan of Saudi Arabia, was not immediately reachable through his lawyer.

After the Kentucky Derby, Medina Spirit tested positive for a legal medication, but one that is banned on race day, and Baffert was suspended from racing at Churchill Downs for two years.

Reports say the colt will undergo a full necropsy to confirm the cause of death.