shades fills you in

Derby-winning racehorse Medina Spirit’s death reignited the uncomfortable debate over racehorse fatalities. The horse died suddenly while training in December 2021 -- while there was an investigation pending on his failed drug test

CBS reports that a necropsy was unable to determine a clear cause of death

But Medina’s trainer, Bob Baffert, is known as someone who “pushes the envelope” -- WaPo

NY Post: Medina Spirit’s death is yet another reason to abolish this cruel sport. Far too many racehorses die each year, and before that they’re subjected to senseless cruelty

But Bleacher Report kinda begs to differ: People just don’t get it -- racehorses are treated like kings. Think daily manicures, powdered bums, and acupuncture

In any event, with the debate renewed, racing execs are feeling an urgency to “get it right” with new regulations

Betamethasone is the substance that caused Medina Spirit to fail a drug test. AP explains it’s used to ease joint inflammation

Nat Geo says trainers use it to help horses push past their natural limits. But that can put them in danger -- most racehorses die from limb injuries

A year after Medina Spirit won the Derby, many were still mourning his death, reported The NYT. “He did what he was supposed to do,” but he was failed by the people around him