Forte may be sidelined for Preakness Stakes
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission may prevent Forte from running in the Preakness Stakes on May 20.
What You Need To Know
- According to protocols from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Standards, Forte is on a 14-day waiting period
- The protocols mean the presumed Derby-favorite will be ineligible for the Preakness Stakes on May 20
- Maryland also follows HISA protocols, meaning the waiting period will likely stand
- The 3-year-old was scratched the morning of the Kentucky Derby for a bruise on his foot
In a statement released on Monday, the commission said it was following rules from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Standards by placing the horse on a 14-day veterinary list, which prohibits him from competing. The KHRC said it was following protocols set by the governing body after veterinaries from the group sidelined the horse with a foot injury for the Kentucky Derby.
“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,” the KHRC said.
Maryland, where the Preakness Stakes is held, also follows HISA protocols, meaning the 14-day waiting period will most likely stand and Forte will not be able to participate in the race.
The presumed Derby favorite had 3-1 odds before being scratched just hours before the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Todd Pletcher had downplayed the horse stumbling in training just a few days before the race. Co-owner Mike Repole assured the public that Forte was being carefully monitored, saying that the team had done x-rays and that the horse might need “a couple more days (to recover).”
Still, Repole expressed sadness at being scratched from the Run for the Roses. “You can only be a 3-year-old colt on the first Saturday in May one time in your life,” he said. “I feel bad for the horse.”
