Another Horse Dies At Churchill Downs Ahead Of Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The cast of characters for the 149th Kentucky Derby was rewritten again hours before the race Saturday when early favorite Forte was scratched.

“This is part of racing and it’s the cruel part,” Mike Repole, co-owner of Forte, said in an interview with FanDuel TV.

It was the fifth scratch from the Derby in the days leading up to the $3 million race for 3-year-olds. Six horses have died at Churchill Downs in recent days.

The string of horse deaths cast a pall for some Derby goers on a mostly cloudy and warm day.

“It’s concerning, and I hope they’re quickly trying to the best they can to correct whatever’s going on,” said Michael Freeze, who along with his friend dressed up as jockeys. “They need to do whatever is best for the horses, and the sport in general.”