Forte, 2023 Kentucky Derby Favorite, Scratched the Morning of the Race By State Vet
The 2023 Kentucky Derby favorite, Forte, was scrateched on the morning of the race after a routine examination by the state veterinarian. Forte, who drew the 15th pole position, was a 3-1 favorite on Friday. It was immediately unclear why the horse was scratched, but the call was made by Kentucky's Chief Veterinarian Nick Smith, who was forced to break the news to owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher. Repole and Pletcher were not happy.
Would be the biggest understatement of all time to say Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher are not happy about the state vets decision to scratch Forte. Repole was pissed and walked away from meeting and said “that guy (pointing to state vet) he won’t talk to you.”
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) May 6, 2023
UPDATE: Forte was scratched because of concerns about a bruised right front foot.
Forte owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher talking to state vet Nick Smith. By the length of the conversation, not sure this is going to be good news for Forte camp. pic.twitter.com/E8eFAnfzUA
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) May 6, 2023
State vet Nick Smith after Forte scratched. Says no comment pic.twitter.com/y5ptgvpkI6
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) May 6, 2023
Forte joins an unusually long list of Derby scratches this year. Practical Move, another one of the favorites, was scratched on Thursday. Lord Miles, Continuar, and Skinner were also scratches.
So the answer is: The last time 4 Derby horses scratched from the body of the race was 1936 https://t.co/NHWF4pYrth
— Tim Layden (@ByTimLayden) May 5, 2023
This is why there's always a long line at the window right before the race.