Wimbledon scratched from Kentucky Derby
Trainer Bob Baffert informed Churchill Downs' officials on Friday morning that Louisiana Derby (G2) hero WIMBLEDON (Wild Rush) will not run in the Kentucky Derby (G1) due to an injury to his left front leg. The gray colt has a knot near the tendon in the leg.
"He wasn't lame or anything on it, but there is (a knot) about a size of a dime there," Baffert said. "There is a little spot on the outside. These things sometimes may not be that bad. I don't think it's a career ending injury, but it's enough that we don't feel comfortable about taking him out there and running him this weekend."
An ultrasound and other tests were scheduled to determine the extent of the injury.
"We got him out and we jogged him. He's fine, he's not sore, but I had a vet come in there and look at it and there is something going on there," Baffert explained. "It's probably not that bad right not but if we were to go out there and run him then you can really hurt him. We don't know the extent of the injury and we won't know until late this afternoon."
Wimbledon's defection means three-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert will not have an entrant for the first time since 1996, the longest active streak for any trainer. Jerry Bailey, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, is also without a mount.
Wimbledon was listed at 15-1 on the morning line. His absence leaves 19 starters, and 20 horses have not gone postward in the Kentucky Derby since 1984.
Dr. Ted Hill, acting state steward for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, said in light of the scratch of Wimbledon, who would have started from post 5, the four horses inside of that post position will move out one spot. The horses in stalls 6 through 20 will be unaffected.
Trainer Bob Baffert informed Churchill Downs' officials on Friday morning that Louisiana Derby (G2) hero WIMBLEDON (Wild Rush) will not run in the Kentucky Derby (G1) due to an injury to his left front leg. The gray colt has a knot near the tendon in the leg.
"He wasn't lame or anything on it, but there is (a knot) about a size of a dime there," Baffert said. "There is a little spot on the outside. These things sometimes may not be that bad. I don't think it's a career ending injury, but it's enough that we don't feel comfortable about taking him out there and running him this weekend."
An ultrasound and other tests were scheduled to determine the extent of the injury.
"We got him out and we jogged him. He's fine, he's not sore, but I had a vet come in there and look at it and there is something going on there," Baffert explained. "It's probably not that bad right not but if we were to go out there and run him then you can really hurt him. We don't know the extent of the injury and we won't know until late this afternoon."
Wimbledon's defection means three-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert will not have an entrant for the first time since 1996, the longest active streak for any trainer. Jerry Bailey, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, is also without a mount.
Wimbledon was listed at 15-1 on the morning line. His absence leaves 19 starters, and 20 horses have not gone postward in the Kentucky Derby since 1984.
Dr. Ted Hill, acting state steward for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, said in light of the scratch of Wimbledon, who would have started from post 5, the four horses inside of that post position will move out one spot. The horses in stalls 6 through 20 will be unaffected.
