News

Investigation launched as Kentucky-Derby winning horse dies while training

Published

4 years ago

December 7, 2021

Kentucky Derby-winning horse Medina Spirit has died while training in Southern California

Kentucky-Derby winning horse Medina Spirit died of a suspected heart attack while undergoing training at the Santa Anita racetrack in Southern California, according to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB).

Medina Spirit collapsed near the finish line just as he was completing a workout and died immediately.

“Following the completion of a routine morning workout, Medina Spirit collapsed on the track at Santa Anita Park and died suddenly of a probable cardiac event according to the on site veterinary team who attended to him,”
Santa Anita Park said in a statement.

The news was also confirmed by its Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who said the 3-year-old champion colt died from a “heart attack” following a workout.

Despite comments made by the trainer the racing board will not determine cause of death until a necropsy and toxicology tests are complete.

The examination and tests will be conducted at the University of California, Davis.

Investigation launched as Kentucky-Derby winning horse dies while training / Image: Reuters

“My entire barn is devastated by this news”

Baffert’s statement read that his entire barn was devastated by the death of the Derby-winning horse.

“Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss. I will always cherish the proud and personal memories of Medina Spirit and his tremendous spirit.”

Investigation launched as Kentucky-Derby winning horse dies while training / Image: File

Medina Spirit controversy

As well as being an exciting racehorse, Medina Spirit was the subject of one of the sport’s biggest controversies in the United States earlier this year.

Sports Analyst Eric Mitchell told ticker NEWS, after the horse crossed the line, placing first in this year’s Kentucky Derby, it failed a post-race drug test.

The horse’s trainer Bob Baffert was subsequently banned from fielding any horses at the Churchill Downs racetrack for two years after confirmation that the horse returned a positive test for a legal drug whose presence is banned on race day.

Baffert later provided a lengthy statement claiming an ointment used to treat dermatitis may have caused the positive test.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said the investigation into the test is ongoing and paid tribute to the thoroughbred.

News

Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

1 hour ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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News

Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

6 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

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News

Ryan Routh receives life sentence for attempted Trump assassination

Ryan Routh sentenced to life for attempting to assassinate Trump; lawyer plans to appeal due to personal issues.

Published

6 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ryan Routh sentenced to life for attempting to assassinate Trump; lawyer plans to appeal due to personal issues.

Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to life in prison. The 59-year-old was convicted on five criminal counts after representing himself during the trial.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon described Routh’s actions as a premeditated plot to take a human life. Prosecutors emphasised that his plan was aimed at disrupting American democracy.

Routh’s attorney plans to appeal the conviction, arguing that he is a troubled individual with a good core. Routh had been found hiding with a firearm near Trump’s golf course shortly before the 2024 election.

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