Grande scratched from Kentucky Derby

One day after Wood Memorial (G2) winner Rodriguez was withdrawn, Wood runner-up Grande was also scratched from the Kentucky Derby (G1) due to a foot issue.

According to owner Mike Repole, the decision was made by the veterinarians. 

The full text of Repole's post is below:

"Unfortunately, the vets have decided to scratch Grande from tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby. 

"He has been battling a slight cracked heel this week which has been improving. To be cautious, Todd X-rayed on Monday and the horse had clean X-rays. On Wednesday, the state vets asked us if we could do a PET scan, and Grande had that yesterday and it was also clean. 

"He has been training and looking great on the track all week. 

"The heel has improved throughout the week and it also improved again this morning. Unfortunately the vets told us this morning they were scratching the horse despite the clean diagnostics. 

"We were very confused with all the clean diagnostics and improvement all week, why they rushed to judgment to scratch today. 

"With the race being tomorrow, and Baeza already having drawn into the race, 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. 

"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. 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. 

"I love racing…….."

Grande was the only entrant for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, a two-time Derby winner. This marks the first time in 22 years that Pletcher has not had a Derby starter. Since his Derby debut in 2000, Pletcher has had a runner every year except 2003. 

Repole, who is still searching for his first Derby win, has endured tough scratches in the past. While Pletcher and Repole ruled out champion Uncle Mo due to illness in 2011, their champion Forte was a vet scratch on the morning of the 2023 Derby. 

With Grande out, 19 horses remain in Saturday's 151st running of the Derby.