Grande, a horse owned by Mike Repole, was unexpectedly scratched from the 151st Kentucky Derby, reducing the field to 19 horses. Despite showing improvement from a slight cracked heel and clean diagnostic results, the decision by state veterinarians left Repole shocked and confused. This is not the first time Repole has faced such a situation, as his horses Uncle Mo and Forte were also scratched in previous Derby events due to health concerns. Repole emphasized the importance of horse safety but questioned the criteria used for scratching horses, especially given the positive health indicators. With Grande's removal, the field will not have a replacement, leaving trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez without a Derby contender this year.

Grande was scratched from the Kentucky Derby 151st edition after state veterinarians decided, despite the horse showing improvement from a cracked heel and clean diagnostics, reducing the field to 19 horses.

Owner Mike Repole was shocked and confused by the sudden decision to scratch Grande just 36 hours before the race, especially as the horse was training well and all tests, including a PET scan, came back clean.

This incident marks the third time Repole has experienced a last-minute scratch in the Derby, having previously faced similar situations with Uncle Mo in 2011 and Forte in 2023 due to different health issues.

Repole stressed that the safety and welfare of the horses should always be the top priority, though he questioned the criteria and timing used by the veterinarians for making such decisions.

With Grande's removal, there will be no replacement horse, as Rodriguez was already scratched earlier, and Baeza, who was on the also-eligible list, has already moved into the field.

Two-time Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher and Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez were left without a contender in this year's Derby due to Grande's unexpected withdrawal.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges in horse racing regarding health assessments and the impact on owners, trainers, and jockeys when decisions are made at the last minute.