Kentucky Derby is down to 19 horses after The Puma gets scratched
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- The Puma has been scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby due to a swollen leg caused by a skin infection, reducing the field to 19 horses instead of the maximum 20.
- The scratch occurred less than 12 hours before the 6:57 p.m. EDT post time, missing the deadline for Corona de Oro to enter the race from the also-eligible list.
- The Puma, trained by father-son duo Gustavo Delgado Sr. and Jr., was a notable contender with odds improving from 10-1 to 8-1 before the scratch; the team previously won the Derby with Mage in 2023.
- This marks the fourth scratch in the Derby field this week, following Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, and Right to Party, while horses Great White, Ocelli, and Robusta gained entry.
- Renegade remains the favorite to win, aiming to become the first horse in 40 years to win the Derby from the inside No. 1 post position.
