Kentucky Derby Update: Grande Scratched from the Race
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Grande has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby, reducing the field for Saturday’s 151st edition to 19 horses.
He joins Rodriguez on the sidelines after that colt was scratched on Thursday.
The Reason Behind the Scratch
“Unfortunately, the vets have decided to scratch Grande,” owner Mike Repole posted Friday on X. “He has been battling a slight cracked heel this week which has been improving.”
Repole said various diagnostic tests on Grande came back clean, including a PET scan requested by Kentucky state veterinarians. He said the 3-year-old colt, trained by Dallas’ Todd Pletcher, had been “training and looking great” on the track all week.
Reaction from the Owner
“We were very confused with all the clean diagnostics and improvement all week, why they rushed to judgment to scratch today,” Repole wrote.
“We are also shocked and confused why this decision was made now. We were given no real explanation why Grande was scratched 36 hours before the race.”
Past Experiences
Repole has had this happen twice before. In 2011, Uncle Mo was scratched the day before the race because of a gastrointestinal infection. In 2023, Forte was scratched the morning of the race due to a bruised right front foot. The self-made billionaire from New York is 0-for-8 in the Derby.
Priority on Horse Safety
“We all love these horses and our number one concern is the safety and welfare of these amazing Thoroughbreds. That is, and should always be the priority,” Repole wrote. “With all the diagnostics we have taken, the great vets we use, and the experience of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, we are baffled and confused by what criteria vets are using to determine who scratches, who doesn’t and when…especially when every diagnostic tells us the horse is safe and sound.”
Impact on the Field
Rodriguez’s scratch moved Baeza into the field. He was the only horse on the also-eligible list, so there will be no replacement for Grande.
Grande was the lone runner for two-time Derby-winning trainer Pletcher and was to be ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez.
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Related Information
For more information on the Kentucky Derby, including how to watch, favorites, and Texas ties, check out our related article: 151st Kentucky Derby: How to watch, favorites, Texas ties and more
Conclusion
The scratching of Grande from the Kentucky Derby has reduced the field to 19 horses. The decision was made by the vets due to a slight cracked heel, despite clean diagnostic tests and improvement throughout the week. The owner, Mike Repole, has expressed confusion and shock at the decision, citing the priority of horse safety and welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Grande scratched from the Kentucky Derby?
A: Grande was scratched due to a slight cracked heel, despite clean diagnostic tests and improvement throughout the week.
Q: Who made the decision to scratch Grande?
A: The decision was made by the vets.
Q: What is the impact on the field?
A: Rodriguez’s scratch moved Baeza into the field, and there will be no replacement for Grande.
Q: Who was Grande’s trainer and jockey?
A: Grande was trained by Todd Pletcher and was to be ridden by John Velazquez.
