The cast of the 144th Kentucky Derby has changed again with the announcement Monday that European stakes winner Gronkowski would miss the May 5 classic at Churchill Downs.
Phoenix Thoroughbreds said the horse experienced a minor infection over the weekend and was being treated with antibiotics, preventing his travel from Newmarket, England, to Kentucky. Trained by Jeremy Noseda, Gronkowski is being pointed to the June 9 Belmont Stakes at New York's Belmont Park for his U.S. debut.
Gronkowski is named for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who recently bought an interest in the colt and was planning to attend the Derby. Long-range plans for the horse include November's Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.
"This horse is a fighter and a winner," Rob Gronkowski said. "As an athlete, I understand the need for rest and recovery time. I'm glad that he's recovering quickly, and I look forward to meeting him soon and taking some selfies."
Gronkowski the horse led the European Road to the Kentucky Derby point standings. His defection from the race clears the way for graded-stakes winner Instilled Regard to make the 20-horse field.
"We are beyond disappointed that Gronkowski will miss the Kentucky Derby," said Tom Ludt, international operations director for Phoenix Thoroughbreds. "To have a Derby contender with our first group of 3-year-olds was a dream come true, and to have had New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski join us on that journey made it even more exciting. But we must put the welfare of the horse first and we will look forward to the colt recovering quickly and to his future races."
Arkansas Derby runner-up Quip was withdrawn from Kentucky Derby consideration on Monday, allowing Combatant, fourth in the Grade 1 $1 million race April 14 at Oaklawn Park, to enter the Run for the Roses. Trainer Rodolphe Brisset said Quip needed a break after a grueling 3-year-old campaign and would be pointed to the May 19 Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Magnum Moon led the North American point standings after winning the Arkansas Derby, making the colt 4 for 4 lifetime. One of trainer Todd Pletcher's four Derby hopefuls, Magnum Moon is considered one of the favorites in Louisville along with the unbeaten Justify, 3 for 3 for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert after the April 7 Santa Anita Derby.
Arkansas Derby third-place finisher Solomini, Oaklawn stakes winner My Boy Jack and Oaklawn allowance winner Bravazo also made the Kentucky Derby field on points. Entries will be drawn May 2 at Churchill Downs.
Sports on 04/25/2018