Kentucky Derby 2025 Update: Grande Scratched, Field Now Down to 19 Horses

Kentucky Derby 2025 Update: Grande Scratched, Field Now Down to 19 Horses

The countdown to the 151st Kentucky Derby is on, but there’s already big news shaking up the race.

Grande, a horse trained by well-known trainer Todd Pletcher, has officially been scratched from the 2025 Kentucky Derby due to a foot bruise. The announcement was made by owner Mike Repole just a day and a half before the event. Grande was expected to start from post position 10 and had 20-1 odds.

This decision ends Todd Pletcher’s amazing streak of 21 straight Kentucky Derby appearances, a run that included two Derby wins — Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017.

Despite undergoing clean X-rays and even a PET scan, state veterinarians decided it was best to pull Grande from the race. Repole’s team expressed surprise and disappointment, stating the horse’s heel had been improving throughout the week.

This Isn’t Repole’s First Scratch

This marks the third time one of Repole’s horses has been scratched from the Derby. In 2011, Uncle Mo was pulled due to illness, and in 2023, Forte was scratched on race day due to a bruised foot. Unfortunately, Repole is still searching for his first Derby win.

Grande isn’t the only horse out — Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, was also scratched earlier this week. That reduces the 2025 Kentucky Derby field to 19 horses.

Key Info for the 2025 Kentucky Derby

When is the race?

• Saturday, May 3, 2025

• Post time: 6:57 PM ET

Where?

• Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

How to watch:

• FanDuel TV (10:30 AM – Noon)

• USA Network & Peacock (Noon – 2:20 PM)

• NBC & Peacock (2:30 PM – 7:30 PM)

Special moments to catch:

• Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will say “Riders Up”

• Singer Grace Potter will perform the national anthem

Purse:

• Total: $5 million

• Winner takes home $3.1 million

Some Horses to Watch

• Journalism (3-1 odds) – One of the top favorites

• Sandman (6-1 odds) – Gaining attention

• Sovereignty (5-1 odds) – Solid contender

• Burnham Square, Citizen Bull, and Baeza also bring strong potential

The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race — it’s a celebration of tradition, fashion, and excitement. Whether you’re betting, dressing up, or just watching for fun, this year’s race is packed with drama even before it begins.

Stay tuned for live updates, odds, and results as we approach race time!

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