Forte, the top pick for the Kentucky Derby, has been withdrawn from the race.

Early Favourite Forte Scratched from Kentucky Derby Due to Injury

The Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, has been overshadowed by the recent deaths of several horses. The latest news is that early favourite Forte has been scratched from the race due to concerns about a bruised front foot. The Todd Pletcher-trained dark bay colt had brought a five-race win streak to the 1-1/4-mile Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and was installed as the early 3-1 favourite. However, the decision to scratch Forte was made by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission state veterinarian, who was concerned about the horse’s welfare.

Other Horses Scratched from the Race

Forte was the fifth horse to be scratched from Saturday’s race, joining Practical Move, Lord Miles, Continaur, and Skinner. The last time five horses were scratched from the Kentucky Derby was in 1936 when 19 horses entered the race and 14 ran. Irad Ortiz Jr., who was scheduled to ride Forte, will now ride Cyclone Mischief, a bay colt trained by Dale Romans who replaced Practical Move in the field.

Animal Rights Group Calls for Stronger Safety Protocols

The recent deaths of several horses have prompted animal rights group PETA to call for stronger safety protocols at Churchill Downs. PETA has urged the track to close until these protocols are put in place. Seven deaths are being investigated by the Louisville racetrack, which said it is working with regulators after imposing an indefinite suspension on Saffie Joseph Jr., the trainer of two of the dead horses, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie. Two other horses died as a result of racing or training, including Derby entrant Wild On Ice and three-year-old filly Take Charge Briana, while Code of Kings was euthanized for injuries sustained after flipping several times in the paddock. Two more horses, Chloe’s Dream and Freezing Point, had to be euthanized on Saturday after sustaining injuries in races leading up to the Kentucky Derby.

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