Texas Red officially out of Kentucky Derby contention

Texas Red (Afleet Alex), dominating winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1)

in November and runner-up in Eclipse Award balloting as the nation's leading

two-year-old colt, has been officially withdrawn from Kentucky Derby (G1)

consideration.

Texas Red's withdrawal was in "the best interests of the horse and his

long-term welfare," according to a statement on Facebook provided by co-owner

Erich Brehm. He was sidelined with a foot abscess following a second-place

finish in the San Vicente (G2) in January.

"We feel we do not have adequate time to prepare Texas Red for a prep race

that he would need to get in condition for, and attain adequate points for, a

Derby start," Brehm said. "We look forward to bringing him back to the races

when he is ready to compete once again at the highest level, and hope to again

share his talent and brilliance with racing fans throughout the country."