LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fulleffort was scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby because of a chip in his left hind ankle, the second departure from the field of 20 horses roughly 24 hours after Silent Tactic was ruled out.
Race officials announced the change Thursday morning, and trainer Brad Cox told The Associated Press that Fulleffort will undergo surgery and is expected to recover and return to racing. Cox said an X-ray revealed fluid in the ankle and called it an easy decision to withdraw because Fulleffort showed some lameness.
“That’s part of the game,” Cox said. “It was a problem that needed to be addressed.”
Fullefort’s exit means jockey Tyler Gaffalione will have to wait for another chance to win the race for the first time. Cox went into the week with three Kentucky Derby horses and was down to two: Commandment and Further Ado.
“I love them,” Cox said. “Both had a great morning. I’m excited about Saturday.”