A murder investigation has been launched after former leading American jockey Chris Antley, dual winner of the Kentucky Derby, was found dead at his home in Pasadena, southern California, on Saturday.
Antley, 34, who retired last year, was discovered by a family friend on Saturday night with head injuries. They were not caused by a firearm.
He was pronounced dead at the scene but the exact cause of death remains under investigation, and the motive for the killing has yet to be determined, according to a spokesman for the Pasadena Police Department.
Antley battled weight problems throughout his career and tested positive for marijuana and cocaine in 1988. He relinquished his licence for a time the following year to undergo a treatment programme before coming back to win his first Kentucky Derby aboard Strike The Gold in 1991.
Last year, Antley rose to the top of his profession with victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes on Charismatic but narrowly missed the Triple Crown when the colt finished third in the Belmont Stakes after breaking a leg.
Antley`s quick reaction to the injury and his decision to dismount were later credited with allowing vets to save the horse`s life.
