Forte, the Kentucky Derby favorite who was scratched on the morning of the race due to a bruised right front foot, might be ineligible to compete in the Preakness Stakes.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) placed Forte on a 14-day veterinarian’s list after the horse was pulled out of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday in Louisville, Ky.
The Preakness is scheduled for exactly 14 days later in Baltimore, on May 20.
The (KHRC)’s report didn’t state whether Forte could return for the second leg of the Triple Crown, but multiple media reports indicated that he would be ineligible.
The KHRC stated, “Forte was scratched from the Kentucky Derby by KHRC veterinarians following Saturday’s routine soundness checks. As is the case with all KHRC veterinary scratches related to soundness, and pursuant to HISA Rule 2241(a), this places Forte on a mandatory 14-day veterinary list. After 14 days, the requirements for removal from the list include a satisfactory workout performed for a state regulatory veterinarian and a negative blood sample result.”
Trainer Todd Pletcher had said on Sunday that he hoped to enter Forte in the Preakness if the horse came through a light workout later this week in good shape.
Forte won five consecutive races in the leadup to the Kentucky Derby, which was won by Mage, a 15-1 shot.
–Field Level Media