A fourth horse has now said “neigh” to the Kentucky Derby.
Skinner became the latest horse to be scratched from the first leg of the Triple Crown, with trainer John Shirreffs saying Friday the California-based colt has an elevated temperature.
The field for the race on Saturday, the 149th running of the Derby, is now down to 19 horses, with Friday’s 9 a.m. scratch deadline preventing any additions.
Skinner’s scratch comes after Practical Move, Lord Miles and Continuar from Japan were removed from the field on Thursday, moving Cyclone Mischief, Mandarin Hope from Japan and King Russell into the race.
Skinner had replaced Wild on Ice in the field last week after the horse had to be euthanized following an injury during training.
Forte, the 3-1 favorite in the race, stumbled during training on Thursday, but showed no signs of issue during his Friday session.
“Everything is on course at the moment,” trainer Todd Pletcher said.
Still, problems continue to swirl around the race.
Practical Move also had an elevated temperature.
Lord Miles’ trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was suspended indefinitely by Churchill Downs Inc. days after two of his horses died on the track after races in the last week.
Parents Pride, 4, and Chasing Artie, 5, collapsed and died after running races last week, which Churchill Downs called “highly unusual” and “completely unacceptable.”
“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,” said Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
“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.”
Investigators have yet to find the cause of either death, with owner Ken Ramsay describing the horses as having been “fit and healthy.”
Continuar was scratched because his trainer said he was not in top form to run.
The last time four horses were scratched from the Derby was 2015.
— With Post Wires