2026 Kentucky Derby horse The Puma stands exterior his barn with walker Brian Fitzgerald after morning coaching at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 24, 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful The Puma, among the many favorites at 7-1 odds, was scratched on Saturday morning as a consequence of a leg harm.
The chestnut colt developed swelling in his leg as a consequence of a pores and skin an infection, based on coach Gustavo Delgado, and wouldn’t have the ability to make the 6:57 p.m. submit time.
“It is extremely disappointing, however the swelling ought to go down inside a day or two. It is simply actually dangerous timing,” Delgado mentioned.
Assistant coach Gustavo Delgado Jr. mentioned The Puma ought to be advantageous in “two or three days” after a spherical of antibiotics however doubtless won’t enter the Preakness on Could 16.
The Puma had been within the eighth submit place for the race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., to be ridden by Corridor of Fame member and 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Javier Castellano.
The Puma completed second within the Florida Derby on March 28 and is sixth within the Highway to the Kentucky Derby standings with 106 factors.
His absence means solely 19 horses will compete within the 152nd working of the Kentucky Derby, the primary leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
–Subject Degree Media
