The hits keep coming for the Kentucky Derby.
Forte, who had been the 9-to-2 favorite to win the Race for the Roses, has been scratched on the day of the race.
Forte is owned by Mike Repole and was trained by Todd Pletcher.
The horse’s jockey was Irad Oritz.
The decision to scratch Forte was made after an examination by a state racing commission vet, where he looked closely at the horse’s front right leg, according to video from ACCN reporter Will Clark.
Forte had stumbled during training on Thursday, but had appeared to practice without issue on Friday.
According to Darren Rovell of the Action Network, Forte had attracted 16 percent of the win pool.
Forte is the fifth horse to be scratched from the Derby this week.
There are now 18 horses in the field for the first leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Skinner was scratched on Friday due to having an elevated temperature.
Practical Move, Lord Miles and Continuar were all scratched previously this week.
Saffie Joseph Jr., the trainer of Lord Miles, got suspended indefinitely by Churchill Downs as two other horses that he trained, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, mysteriously died at the track after races this week.
“Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood,” Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a statement.
“The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility.”
Last week, the horse Wild On Ice sustained an injury while training, and had to be euthanized.
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