Medina Spirit Necropsy Report to be Released Feb. 11

The California Horse Racing Board with the cooperation of the University of California-Davis will release Medina Spirit 's necropsy report along with a news release Feb. 11 at 9:00 a.m. PT, the CHRB announced Feb. 10.

A necropsy is an autopsy conducted upon an animal. Necropsies are standard procedures on equines that die at CHRB-regulated facilities, with the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine undertaking those studies.

Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit, trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, collapsed and died after a Dec. 6 workout at Santa Anita Park. His sudden death gained national news attention, in part due to the controversy related to the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs.

MITCHELL, ANGST, KING: Medina Spirit Collapses, Dies After Santa Anita Workout

Post-race test results taken from Medina Spirit following the Derby showed the presence of the corticosteroid betamethasone, a finding that places him at risk of disqualification after a long-awaited hearing with Kentucky stewards, expected to take place this month. Baffert claims Medina Spirit tested positive due to treatment for a skin condition on the colt's hindquarters with the anti-fungal ointment Otomax.

Medina Spirit passed tests for prohibited drugs during the remainder of his 3-year-old season last year, including in his final race, a runner-up finish in the Nov. 6 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar.

At the time of Medina Spirit's death, CHRB equine medical director Dr. Jeff Blea said the cause of sudden death incidents sometimes prove elusive, with about half remaining a mystery even after further study.

Blea initially was to oversee the necropsy of Medina Spirit. However, Dr. John Pascoe, executive associate dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, ultimately headed the project.

Last month, Blea was placed on leave after an administrative law judge suspended his veterinary license following an anonymous complaint to the California Veterinary Medical Board. CHRB chairman Dr. Greg Ferraro called the actions against Blea politically motivated. Blea is now awaiting a full evidentiary hearing.

A Q&A via teleconference for credentialed news media will follow the release at 11 a.m. PT.