Antley's Death Ruled an Accidental Drug Overdose

L O S   A N G E L E S, Jan. 11 -- Jockey Chris Antley died of an overdose of multiple drugs, and injuries found on his body probably were the result of a fall while under the influence, the county coroner's office said today.

Antley, 34, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, was found dead Dec. 2in his Pasadena home. Police opened a homicide investigationbecause of the circumstances, including what was described assevere trauma to his head.

"The lacerations were caused by him perhaps falling down and being under the influence," coroner's spokesman Scott Carrier said. "No foul play is suspected and the Pasadena Police Department concurs."

Tests Show Multiple Drugs in System

Toxicology testing found evidence of four drugs in Antley's system, including Clobenzorax, a weight-control drug not available in the U.S.; metamphetamine; Tegretol, an anti-seizure medication; and Paxil, an anti-depressant.

It was the first time the Los Angeles County coroner's office had seen Clobenzorax, Carrier said.

"We understand it's pretty well known among the jockeys," he said.

Antley had well-known struggle with his weight, substance abuse and depression.

His death had been a puzzle since his body was discovered by his brother and a friend in his home near Pasadena's Rose Bowl.

Timothy Wyman Tyler Jr., described by police as an Antley associate, was arrested a short time later on three outstanding warrants involving drugs and driving under the influence. Police, however, never described Tyler as a suspect in Antley's death.

Impressive Career

Antley, who stopped riding in March because of his ballooning weight, won the Kentucky Derby aboard Strike The Gold in 1991. He won the race again in 1999 with Charismatic.

He and Charismatic came within one race of winning the Triple Crown but the horse suffered a career-ending leg injury while finishing third in the Belmont Stakes.

Just past the finish line, Antley jumped off the horse and held its injured leg until veterinarians could arrive. Owner Bob Lewis credited Antley with saving Charismatic's life.