The Puma Horse Scratched as Derby Field Drops to 19

The Puma horse was scratched from the Kentucky Derby on Saturday morning after swelling in his leg from a skin infection. The late change cut the field to 19 horses and removed a runner who had been set for the race after last Saturday’s draw.

Gustavo Delgado on The Puma

Trainer Gustavo Delgado said, "We discovered some swelling in his leg due to a skin infection." He also called the situation "incredibly disappointing," adding, "the swelling should go down within a day or two. It’s just really bad timing."

Assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr. described the scratch as "an easy decision" and said, "It’s not something that’s a fine line." He added, "Painful but easy. … Long-term he’s going to be fine. He just needs antibiotics. I’m sure in two or three days he’s going to be fine."

Kentucky Derby Field Changes

The Puma entered the Derby with a record of 1-2-1 in four career starts and earnings of $442,280. He finished second in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park, then became part of the Derby field before Saturday morning’s scratch.

The scratch made The Puma the fifth horse withdrawn from the Derby since last Saturday’s draw, following Right to Party, Silent Tactic, Fulleffort and Corona de Oro. Gustavo Delgado Jr. said The Puma would stay at Churchill Downs for a week.

Churchill Downs and May 16

Delgado Jr. said The Puma likely would not enter the Preakness on May 16 at Laurel Park. For Derby bettors and anyone following the gate, the immediate change was simple: one less horse, one more open spot, and a revised race-day lineup before post time.