Zedan Racing's Medina Spirit (Protonico), first across the wire in the 2021 GI Kentucky Derby but officially disqualified this week, will be laid to rest at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm near Georgetown, Kentucky. Old Friends made the announcement Friday morning. An open house, which will be open to the public, will be held Tuesday, Apr. 5, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Medina Spirit died Dec. 6 after a workout at Santa Anita. His ashes will be interred in Old Friends's Nikki Bacharach Memorial Garden.
“The Zedan Racing family was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our beloved Medina Spirit,” said Amr Zedan of Zedan Racing. “He brought us great joy during his time, and we will forever cherish his spectacular win in the Kentucky Derby. Medina Spirit truly had the heart of a champion and it is very comforting to know that he will be laid to rest with many of racing's greats and the wonderful people at Old Friends Farm.”
Old Friends will place Medina Spirit's final resting place next to Kentucky Derby winners Charismatic and War Emblem, both of whom were pensioned to Old Friends at the conclusion of their breeding careers.
“Medina Spirit was loved deeply by us and everyone at the barn,” said Bob and Jill Baffert. “We grieve his loss, but take comfort knowing he will be buried among some of racing's all-time greats at Old Friends.”
Michael Blowen, the president and founder of Old Friends, added: “We're very grateful to Mr. Zedan and Bob Baffert for allowing us the honor and privilege of burying Medina Spirit's ashes at Old Friends. His gravestone, which will be a constant reminder of his spectacular achievements, will be placed next to Charismatic and War Emblem in the Nikki Bacharach Memorial Garden where his legion of fans can pay their respects.”
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