The early favourite for the Kentucky Derby was scratched Saturday hours before the race. Forte was declared out of the 149th Derby, according to Churchill Downs spokesman Darren Rogers.
No immediate reason was announced. It was the fifth scratch this week from the $3 million U.S. race. The colt stumbled on the track during a workout Thursday, although trainer Todd Pletcher had downplayed it.
Five horses have died at Churchill Downs in recent days, including two trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. He was suspended by the track and had his Derby horse, Lord Miles, scratched.
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians were at Pletcher's barn early Saturday to observe and examine Forte, who galloped on the track and then jogged outside the barn.
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