MEDINA SPIRIT was stripped of his 2021 Kentucky Derby win – despite passing away of a suspected heart attack in December.
The controversial racehorse, trained by Bob Baffert, died suddenly in a training incident last year.
The three-year-old, who had tested positive for a banned substance after winning America’s biggest race earlier last year, sadly collapsed while running five furlongs at Santa Anita racecourse in California.
Respected journalist Ray Paulick tweeted: “Kentucky Derby first-place finisher Medina Spirit suffered a sudden death after working five furlongs this morning at Santa Anita, Dr Jess Blea @caCHRB equine medical director has confirmed.”
Medina Spirit romped home at 12-1 last May in a huge shock in one of the US classics.
But, after Monday’s ruling, he has now been stripped of the victory after months of debate, with disgraced trainer Baffert, 69, also banned.
Second-placed Mandaloun will now be declared the winner of the 147th Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs said in a statement: “Today Churchill Downs recognizes Mandaloun as the winner of the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby.
“We extend 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.
“We look forward to celebrating Mandaloun on a future date in a way that is fitting of this rare distinction.”
Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone last May, which is legal in Kentucky but is prohibited on race day.
Churchill Downs had previously suspended Baffert for two years after the latest in a recent series of failed tests by his horses
But he has now also been banned for 90 days and fined $7,500 along with the $1.8million purse money.
