Endorsement suffered a fracture during this work Wednesday morning at Churchill (Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs)

Sunland Park Derby (G3) winner ENDORSEMENT (Distorted Humor) was declared out of Saturday's Kentucky Derby (G1), just hours before Wednesday's post position draw. The WinStar Farm colorbearer suffered a non-displaced lateral condylar fracture of his right front ankle while working a half-mile in :47 2/5 under trainer Shannon Ritter Wednesday morning.

"He worked beautifully and I didn't notice anything until we were walking back to the barn," Ritter said after the bullet work over a track labeled as "good."

Elliott Walden, WinStar vice president and racing manager, announced the bad news after the work.

"When he came back to the barn, we had Dr. (Bo) Landry take a radiograph and found a lateral condylar fracture in the right front ankle," Walden said. "It was non-displaced, which is fortunate, and he may have surgery tomorrow.

"We are extremely disappointed for WinStar and for Shannon. Shannon has done a great job with this horse."

A dejected Bill Casner declaring Endorsement from the Derby (Lauren J. Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com)

"It's disappointing," said Bill Casner, chairman and co-owner of WinStar. "He worked great and Shannon said he gave her a feeling out there this morning like he never had before."

Dr. Landry said the injury happened in the workout.

"I was with the horse all winter at the Fair Grounds and I can definitely say it happened today," Dr. Landry, said adding that recovery time from the injury is projected at three to six months but that more would be known after surgery.

Endorsement will now be replaced in the 20-horse Derby by MAKE MUSIC FOR ME (Bernstein), will be ridden by Joel Rosario. Robby Albarado, who was scheduled to ride Endorsement, has picked up the mount on DEAN'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy).