Officials have removed Right to Party from Saturday’s 152nd Kentucky Derby lineup after track veterinarians discovered a leg injury that could put both horse and rider at risk.
Veterinary staff in Louisville identified lameness in the horse’s right front leg Friday, just one day before the prestigious race that kicks off thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown series. The condition could impact the animal’s running form and create dangerous situations during competition.
The withdrawn horse had been given 30-1 odds by morning line handicappers and was assigned to start from post position No. 5, historically considered an advantageous spot. Robusta, carrying much longer 50-1 odds, will take the vacant slot but must start from the less favorable Gate 23.
This marks the third substitution made ahead of the full 20-horse field. Earlier changes saw Great White replace Silent Tactic, while Ocelli stepped in for Fulleffort following Thursday’s withdrawal.
Ocelli faces extremely long 50-1 odds but could make history as only the fourth horse ever to capture its maiden victory at the Kentucky Derby. The last horse to accomplish this feat was Brokers Tip back in 1933.
Ken McPeek trains Right to Party and celebrated his first Derby victory just last year when Mystik Dan prevailed in a dramatic three-horse photo finish. Christopher Elliott had been scheduled to ride Right to Party in Saturday’s competition.
