Mike Repole just can’t catch a break.
After more than a decade of trying to bring home a Kentucky Derby trophy, the Queens native and owner of Repole Stable woke up this morning with his best shot yet, only to be crushed.
Repole’s Forte, who was a 9-to-2 favorite to win the Derby, was scratched hours before the race with a hoof bruise on Saturday.
“I’m sad, I’m devastated,” Repole told reporters outside the stables after the news broke. “… It’s almost de ja vu all over again.”
It’s the latest setback for Repole and his team in a series of disappointments at Churchill Downs.
Repole hasn’t had a horse finish higher than fifth in seven tries at the Kentucky Derby.
The day before the race in 2011, Repole had to scratch 2-year-old champion and early Derby favorite Uncle Mo after the colt came down with a gastrointestinal infection.
“You can only be a 3-year-old colt on the first Saturday in May one time,” Repole said. “A bruise is not an excuse, a fever is not an excuse, a bad day is not an excuse.”
Repole was understanding of the veterinarians’ decision to scratch Forte but called the move “overly cautious” during an interview with reporters.
“The safety of the horse is the most important thing,” Repole said. “I’m more concerned about the systems that we have than scratching this horse under these bright lights.”
State racing commission vets looked closely at Forte’s front right leg in making their determination, per Repole, via a video from ACCN reporter Will Clark.
“We took X-rays, he’s fine,” Repole said. “He probably just needs a couple more days.”
It’s back to square one for Repole and his team, which includes Forte’s trainer, Todd Pletcher, and jockey, Irad Oritz.
“My dad is 83. My mom is 78,” Repole said. “… and I feel pressure to get them in the Derby winner’s circle, more than myself.”
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.
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