Kentucky Derby: The Puma, among the favorites, scratched with swelling in his leg
The Puma was had odds of 8-1 to win the race heading into Saturday's race.
The Puma runs on the track during the morning training for the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) Andy Lyons via Getty Images LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Puma, one of the favorites for Saturday’s Run for the Roses, has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs officials confirmed on Saturday.
“We discovered some swelling in his leg due to a skin infection,” trainer Gustavo Delgado said. “It’s incredibly disappointing, but the swelling should go down within a day or two. It’s just really bad timing.
” The Puma is being treated with antibiotics and should be fine to resume training soon. Delgado won the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage. At 8-1, The Puma was considered one of the favorites in Saturday’s race after finishing second by a nose to Commandment in the Florida Derby.
Because the scratch occurred after the field was locked in there will now just be 19 horses running Saturday.