The Puma has been unexpectedly scratched from the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, due to a skin infection. This news leaves 19 horses entering the starting gate at Churchill Downs.
Trainer Gustavo Delgado shared, “We discovered some swelling in his leg due to a skin infection.” He added that it’s incredibly disappointing, especially given how close they are to the race. “The swelling should go down within a day or two. It’s just really bad timing,” he said.
The Puma is not just any horse; he has a career record of 1-2-1 in four starts and has earned $442,280. His most recent performance was a second-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park.
This incident marks the fifth horse to be scratched from the Derby since last Saturday’s draw. The team plans for The Puma to stay at Churchill Downs for a week after being scratched, ensuring he gets proper care.
Gustavo Delgado Jr. mentioned, “It’s not something that’s a fine line. Painful but easy… Long-term he’s going to be fine. He just needs antibiotics.” With the Preakness Stakes scheduled for May 16 at Laurel Park, it seems unlikely that The Puma will enter that race either.
This unexpected turn of events highlights the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the challenges trainers face when preparing their horses for major events like the Kentucky Derby.
