The much-anticipated showdown between Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Forte will not happen in the Preakness Stakes.
Forte was favored to win the Derby prior to being scratched for a foot injury on the day of the race. As a result of that injury, the horse was placed on the 14-day veterinarian’s list, which makes him ineligible for the Preakness.
Here is a better explanation from DRF:
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, citing a rule promulgated and enforced by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, said in a statement released on Monday afternoon that “all KHRC veterinary scratches related to soundness” require the placement of a horse on the 14-day vet’s list. Daily Racing Form had inquired about Forte’s status with the KHRC earlier in the day.
To get off the vet’s list, the KHRC said in the statement, Forte would need to complete a vet-supervised workout. He would also have to test clean for regulated medications that could interfere with veterinary assessments for soundness and for prohibited drugs. Horses are not allowed to be entered in races while on the vet’s list.
Forte was scratched on Saturday morning after being examined by Nick Smith, the chief examining veterinarian for the KHRC. In video of the examination, Forte can be seen reacting to palpation of the underside of his right front hoof.
