Kentucky Derby field reduced to 19 runners as The Puma scratched before post
The 152nd running of America's most iconic sporting event will proceed with one horse short of the maximum field, leaving Renegade as the sole favourite.
Churchill Downs officials have confirmed that The Puma has been scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby, reducing the field to 19 runners one day before the scheduled Saturday event. The withdrawal comes after the thoroughbred developed a swollen leg caused by a skin infection, a condition that ruled the horse out less than 12 hours prior to the 6:57 p.m. ET post time.
This late development means the race will fall one short of the traditional maximum field size of 20. The timing of the scratch was particularly acute, as it occurred past the deadline for a replacement to draw into the field from the also-eligible list, leaving the vacancy unfilled. The decision effectively locks the entry list at 19 horses for the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr. expressed disappointment at the timing of the incident, noting that while the swelling is expected to subside within a day or two, the horse's absence is a significant blow to his campaign. The Delgado father-son team had been seeking a second Derby victory following their win with Mage in 2023, a feat that would have matched the historic achievement of the Mott father-son duo, Bill and Riley, who are the first to have both horses in the field since 1964.
The withdrawal marks the fourth scratch from the field this week, highlighting ongoing fitness concerns among the contenders. Silent Tactic was ruled out on Wednesday, followed by Fulleffort on Thursday and Right to Party on Friday. Replacements Great White, Ocelli, and Robusta have entered the field to fill earlier gaps, but the late exit of The Puma has left the numbers at 19.
Renegade remains the favourite for the event, having opened as such on the morning line a week ago. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt is positioned in the inside No. 1 post, a strategic advantage not won by a No. 1 starter in four decades. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the specific outcome of the race, the focus now shifts to the remaining 19 horses competing for the title.
Live coverage of the Kentucky Oaks and the Derby is scheduled to air on NBC and DIRECTV, presenting the world's top thoroughbreds in what is widely regarded as the most iconic sporting event in the United States. The 152nd running will take place at Churchill Downs, continuing a tradition that sees the race capped at a maximum of 20 horses, though this year's field will operate with a slight reduction.
