Winner of 2021 Kentucky Derby finally declared after trainer drops £1.4million lawsuit

3 months ago 25

THE winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby has finally been declared – after a trainer dropped his £1.4million lawsuit.

Medina Spirit was first past the post for trainer Bob Baffert and owners Zedan Racing but disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance.

Mandaloun was named winner and Medina Spirit died later that year during a track workout at Santa Anita.

Baffert, who was subsequently banned by Churchill Downs, launched an appeal against the disqualification.

But he said on Monday it had been dropped – ending a near three-year legal battle.

Baffert wrote on X: “I have instructed my attorneys to dismiss the appeal related to the disqualification of Medina Spirit in the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

“Zedan Racing owner, Amr Zedan, and I have decided that it is best to positively focus on the present and future that our great sport offers.

“We thank the KHRC and Churchill Downs for listening and considering our point of view and we are grateful for the changes and clarity that HISA brings to our sport.”

Medina Spirit tested positive for an ointment which is legal in Kentucky but banned on race day.

The horse was kicked out of the standings after a second sample came back positive, forfeiting the £1.4m first-place prize.

Baffert is banned from running horses at Churchill Downs until the end of the year, meaning he will miss the 150th Kentucky Derby this May.

A statement from the racecourse read: “Today’s dismissal of appeal does not change the current suspension or deadline to transfer horses for the upcoming 150th @KentuckyDerby.”

Medina Spirit died in December 2021.

Baffert maintained the positive result was the result of a cream the colt was getting to treat a skin rash.