Right To Party Scratched From Kentucky Derby; Robusta Gets In

Key Points:

• Right to Party, runner-up in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes, was scratched from the GI Kentucky Derby by Kentucky state regulatory veterinarians due to lameness concerns, with Robusta taking his place in the starting gate.
• Trainer Kenny McPeek criticized the timing and nature of the scratch, arguing that Right to Party showed no increased risk of catastrophic breakdown based on X-ray and PET scan results, and expressed frustration with what he sees as a trend of increasing regulatory scratches in Kentucky.
• McPeek highlighted that regulatory scratches have surged in Kentucky, contrasting with other states like New York and Florida, and called for better balance and collaboration between trainers and veterinarians to protect the industry.
• The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission emphasized their commitment to horse safety and ongoing evaluation of protocols, stating they work closely with stakeholders to promote the well-being of horses and jockeys.
• Robusta, trained by Doug O'Neill and previously finishing seventh in the GI Santa Anita Derby, will race in the Kentucky Derby with Cristian Torres as jockey, wearing saddle towel 23.