Key takeaways:
- Forte, the early favorite for the 149th Kentucky Derby, has been declared out of the race due to concerns from Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians about a bruised right front foot.
- Five horses have died at Churchill Downs in recent days, including two trained by trainer Steve Asmussen, who was suspended by the track and had his Derby horse, Lord Nelson, scratched from the race.
- Churchill Downs has called the deaths “highly unusual” and “completely unacceptable” and is currently investigating the deaths and has taken measures to ensure the safety of horses and jockeys.
Churchill Downs Racetrack, the host of the crown jewel of competitive horse races, has declared the early favorite for the 149th Kentucky Derby out of the race. The colt, Forte, stumbled on the track during a workout Thursday, although trainer Todd Pletcher had downplayed it. This is the fifth scratch this week from the $3 million race, the first time that many have been scratched since 1936.
Churchill Downs spokesman Darren Rogers said Forte was declared out of the race due to concerns from Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians about a bruised right front foot. Co-owner Mike Repole also confirmed the decision.
The news of Forte’s scratch comes after five horses have died at Churchill Downs in recent days, including two trained by trainer Steve Asmussen. Asmussen was suspended by the track and had his Derby horse, Lord Nelson, scratched from the race.
Churchill Downs has called the deaths “highly unusual” and “completely unacceptable.” The track is currently investigating the deaths and has taken measures to ensure the safety of horses and jockeys. That year 19 horses were entered and 14 ran.
The 149th Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday, May 4th.
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