Kentucky Derby Favorite Scratched from Race

The privilege of running in the Kentucky Derby requires an investment of years in training and a small fortune on expenses. The investment was made by the owner and trainers of Saturday's Derby favorite, I Want Revenge, who were shocked when their opportunity at glory was nullified by an ankle injury that will prevent the 3-year-old colt from running.

A routine examination revealed soreness in the horse's left front ankle on the morning of the race, and the 3-1 favorite was scratched to prevent serious injury. IEAH Stables owned a 50 percent share of I Want Revenge and was bidding to become the first back-to-back Derby-winning owner since 1972-73. According to Newsday.com, trainer Jeff Mullins said, "With the weather and the track being pressed down because of all the rain, we didn't know how he would handle it. . . . We just thought it in the best interest of the horse, we're not going to run."

The decision not to run I Want Revenge may have been influenced by last year's Derby tragedy in which Eight Belles, the second place finisher, was euthanized after fracturing both front ankles on the track. The attending veterinarian at Churchill Downs, Dr. Foster Northrop, stressed that the colt was not in any distress, but didn't want to take any chances.

With I Want Revenge's withdrawal, Fresian Fire, a descendent of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, became the pre-race favorite.