Grande was drawn on Saturday because of a rotten foot, not running at Kentucky Derby.
On Friday, the decision of the state veterinarians in Churchill Downs, “confused and confused” said Mike Repole, who said it was.
Grande was the second horse drawn from Kentucky Derby after Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert. This horse was cut on Thursday due to a rotten foot.
In total, 19 horses on Saturday Louisville, KY.
Repole expressed his discontent and wrote on the Repole Stable X account, where the tests were clean in the cracked heels of the horse.
“All week training on the track and looks great. The heel developed during the week and developed again this morning.” He said. “Unfortunately, the veterinarians said they drew the horse despite clean diagnoses this morning. All week we were very confused with all clean diagnosis and improvement, why did they run to judge to draw today.”
“Grande has not been given a real explanation of why it was drawn 36 hours before the race. We all love these horses and our number one concern is the safety and welfare of these magnificent thoroughbred. So and always prioritizing. When you say it is safe and solid.
This is the second time when a horse, which was owned by Repole and trained by Pletcher in three years, was drawn before the derby hours.
In 2023, Forte was a favorite of the morning line and was drawn by veterinarians on the morning of the racing morning due to the wounded right -hand foot.
Grande, son of Curlin, who won former Preakness Stakes, had a 10-1 betting rate from position 10. There are only three careers, one of which is a win in Gulfstream Park in January.
Grande was Pletcher's only entrance, and the list of honors, the Kentucky Derby winner three times, was planned by Jockey John Velazquez. Pletcher will miss the race for the first time since 2003.
-FELD level media
