In a dramatic turn of events at the Kentucky Derby, Great White was scratched from the race after throwing his jockey, Alex Achard, just minutes before the start. The incident occurred while the horse was being loaded into the starting gate, causing a significant delay in the proceedings.
Trainer John Ennis reported that Great White, who weighs roughly 1,370 pounds, is doing well following the incident. “He’s perfect. Very fresh. (The incident) took nothing out of him,” Ennis stated, providing some reassurance to fans and horse racing enthusiasts alike.
As chaos unfolded, Great White became spooked and flipped backwards, nearly landing on Achard. Fortunately, Achard walked away unscathed, expressing relief that he hadn’t yet been fully mounted. “I wasn’t in there yet, so I was very happy. My guy wanted to put me in. (I said): ‘No, no, no. He’s going to be scratched. Don’t put me in,'” said Achard.
The race was delayed as track veterinarians assessed Great White and ultimately decided to scratch him from the field. This decision came after Great White only entered the Derby field following Silent Tactic’s withdrawal due to a foot injury.
Despite the setback for Great White and his team, Golden Tempo went on to win the Kentucky Derby with odds of 30-1. The race proceeded without further incidents once Great White was led away from the gate.
Observers noted how quickly things escalated before one of horse racing’s biggest events. “Things got very interesting even before the Kentucky Derby got underway when one of the horses reared up and threw his jockey as he was being loaded into the starting gate,” an onlooker remarked.
While this incident certainly cast a shadow over Great White’s participation, both he and Achard appeared to be okay afterward. Fans now look forward to seeing how this talented horse will recover and return to racing in future events.
