Grande Scratched from Kentucky Derby, Field Reduced to 19 Horses

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Grande has been pulled from the Kentucky Derby lineup, trimming the 151st edition’s race roster to 19 contenders.

He joins Rodriguez on the bench after that horse was removed from competition on Thursday.

“Sadly, the decision has been made by veterinarians to scratch Grande,” owner Mike Repole announced Friday on X. “The horse has been dealing with a minor cracked heel throughout the week which has shown signs of improvement.”

Repole shared that multiple diagnostic tests, including a PET scan requested by Kentucky state veterinarians, showed nothing alarming in Grande’s condition. The 3-year-old colt was reported to have been “training and performing excellently” on the track all week.

“With all the clear diagnostics and improvement seen this week, we’re puzzled by the hasty choice to scratch today,” Repole expressed. “We’re utterly shocked and perplexed as to why this decision was made now. We were offered no substantial explanation as to why Grande was withdrawn 36 hours before race time.”

Repole has experienced this scenario twice before. In 2011, Uncle Mo had to be pulled from the Derby lineup due to a gastrointestinal issue, and in 2023, Forte was removed on the morning of the race because of a bruised right front foot. The New York self-made billionaire has yet to secure a win in the Derby, with an 0-for-8 record.

“The welfare and safety of these wonderful Thoroughbreds is our utmost concern and should always be prioritized,” Repole stated. “Given all the diagnostics we’ve conducted, the top-notch veterinarians we work with, and the expertise of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, we are mystified and confused by the criteria used by veterinarians to decide which horses are scratched and when, especially when all diagnostics indicate the horse is healthy and fit.”

Rodriguez’s removal moved Baeza into the derby field. Baeza was the only horse on the reserve list, so no replacement will fill Grande’s spot.

Grande was the sole entry for two-time Derby-winning trainer Pletcher and was set to be partnered with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez.