2026 Kentucky Derby horse The Puma stands outside his barn with walker Brian Fitzgerald after morning training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 24, 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful The Puma, among the favorites at 7-1 odds, was scratched on Saturday morning due to a leg injury.
The chestnut colt developed swelling in his leg due to a skin infection, according to trainer Gustavo Delgado, and would not be able to make the 6:57 p.m. post time.
“It’s incredibly disappointing, but the swelling should go down within a day or two. It’s just really bad timing,” Delgado said.
Assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr. said The Puma should be fine in “two or three days” after a round of antibiotics but likely will not enter the Preakness on May 16.
The Puma had been in the eighth post position for the race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., to be ridden by Hall of Fame member and 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Javier Castellano.
The Puma finished second in the Florida Derby on March 28 and is sixth in the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings with 106 points.
His absence means only 19 horses will compete in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
–Field Level Media
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