Welcome to FTW Explains, a guide to catching up on and better understanding stuff going on in the world. Are you wondering about the all the horses removed from the field at the 2023 Kentucky Derby? We’re here to help.
The 2023 Kentucky Derby has become quite chaotic in the week running up to horse racing’s Super Bowl.
Churchill Downs has seen four horses die in a matter of days. The track has called the incidents “completely unacceptable” and is investigating the causes. Overall, six horses have been removed from the Kentucky Derby field — the latest being the morning line favorite Forte (3-1) on Saturday morning.
While scratches are common in the sport, the frequency at Churchill Downs this week has been troubling. Here’s everything we know about the dwindling field for the run for the roses.
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Forte
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 01: Forte runs on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 01, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Forte was scratched on Saturday morning after the horse took an awkward step following a Thursday morning gallop. According to USA Today’s Dan Wolken, trainer Todd Pletcher initially believed Forte would be ready to go on Saturday, but a discussion with the Pletcher, owner Mike Repole and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarian led them to reverse course:
Repole said Saturday morning that he was “shocked, sad and devastated” after the state vet scratched Forte because he “seemed off a tick.” The owner said Forte had a bruise earlier in the week but that multiple vets had taken a look and said the horse was fine.
Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. was slated to ride Forte in the Derby after taking second place in Friday’s Kentucky Oaks with the Repole and Fletcher managed Gambling Girl (13-1).
Forte had one of the most impressive resumes heading into the Derby after reeling off five consecutive wins on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Florida Derby.
Lord Miles
May 3, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; Kentucky Derby contender Lord Miles trains Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. Trainer is Saffie Joseph, Jr. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stone-USA TODAY Sports
Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Lord Miles was pulled from the race on Thursday following the sudden death of two other horses trained by Joseph at Churchill Downs earlier in the week.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Board of Stewards decided to scratch Lord Miles as a precaution while opening an inquiry into Joseph. Additionally, Churchill Downs Incorporated levied an indefinite suspension on Jospeh from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all Churchill Downs-owned racetracks.
“Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood,” said Bill Mudd, Churchill Downs Incorporated president. “The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility.”
Mandarin Hero (22-1) drew into the field to replace Lord Miles.
WIld On Ice
LOUISVILLE, KY – MAY 03: A horse and jockey walk past the twin spires prior to the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Wild On Ice suffered fracture to his hind leg requiring him to be euthanized following a morning workout on April 27 before the spring meet at Churchill Downs officially opened. The Joel Marr trained horse was removed from the field before the May 1 post position draw.
The circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation.
“Wild On Ice gave us so many great moments,” Owner Frank Sumpter told Felix Chavez of the El Paso Times. “He’ll forever be remembered. It’s a sad situation. My heart goes out to the team, trainer Joel Marr and everyone who helped us get to this point. These horses give us so many great moments in life, and our team puts in so many hours taking care of the horses.
Skinner
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 04: Skinner walks to his barn during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Trained by former Kentucky Derby-winner John A. Shirreffs, who worked with 2005 champion Giacomo, Skinner entered the field with 20-1 morning line odds.
The colt was scratched on Friday due to an elevated temperature.
Practical Move
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 04: Practical Move trains on the track during morning workouts in preparation for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Practical Move (10-1) was also scratched due to an elevated temperature.
Trainer Tim Yakteen said his team noticed signs of health concerns with the horse after Thursday’s workout, and while he expects a full recovery, decided to pull his contender from the Derby field.
Cyclone Mischief (32-1) drew into the field as a replacement for Practical Move.
Continuar
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – APRIL 29: Continuar of Japan runs on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 29, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Continuar was scratched on Thursday evening after being evaluated by trainer Yoshito Yahagi.
“After evaluating the colt upon my arrival, I feel that he has not been able to reach the peak fitness required to take on a race as tough as the Kentucky Derby,” Yahagi said, per Jason Frakes of the Louisville Courier-Journal. “Considering the future of the horse and the fact that we cannot show the horse’s true ability in his current state, we have decided to scratch Continuar from the Kentucky Derby.
“I am very sorry that I cannot participate in the world’s No. 1 horse racing festival. However, I sincerely hope to return to the Derby in the future. I want to thank everyone who has supported Continuar and Yahagi Stable on this journey.”
Continuar was one of three Japanese horses in the field along with Derma Sotogake and Mandarin Hero. His scratch allowed King Russell (32-1) to draw into the field as the final member of the also-eligible list.
