Forte's owner explains why the horse was scratched from Kentucky Derby

WDRB's Rick Bozich spoke with Mike Repole at the barns at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. He said the decision to scratch Forte was made after the colt's workout early Derby morning.
He said the colt bruised his foot this week and seemed "off a tick."
To read more about the decision to scratch the Kentucky Derby favorite: wdrb.news/3p4yS8b

[@kelsowins]

Heartbreaking timing, but Lord willing Forte will recover and go on to race again. This is the best thing for the colt.

[@mikeacri8524]

He could race next week lol perfectly fine

[@JJJJ-lz1vv]

@@mikeacri8524 not true. You don’t know that. The scan came back with a spot. Was a bruise.

[@steveludwig4200]

@@JJJJ-lz1vv And Repole needs to quit whining because with that "bruise" there was NO way he was going to get a mile and a quarter and win. He would have likely given in 100% until about the 8th pole and then spit the bit and finished toward the back of the pack and THAT would have been a bigger problem in the long run.

[@laurenurban3942]

If it’s a stone bruise on the bottom of the hoof……he won’t be racing for a couple months. Unless, they can cut it out before it abscesses but it will still be sore. Hopefully, it’s not bad but in my experience…you have to let it run its course….about two months or more. I suppose they can glue it or patch it up or something but I wouldn’t do that to my race horse.

[@steveludwig4200]

@@laurenurban3942 Thanks..and this is why I knew I didn't like Repole. He didn;t say it but.......he had every intention of running Forte and was pissed that Todd decided to put the horse on the track Sat morning for the vets to watch closely. Sounded like Repole wanted the horse in the barn until time for the walkover...And the fact that he was "devastated" for all HIS friends and family and breeder's etc tells me all I need to know about him. He didnt give a damn about the tens of millions of dollars bet on a horse that really had NO chance to win.

[@maddogmattas8648]

Hope him a speedy recovery, I had him in my picks ,glad your taking care of him ,horses should be first.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Unfortunately their not. Money talks and horse do-do walks.

[@kayeroskaft9619]

I am sorry for the connections and I am glad they are overly cautious. They should be overly cautious all of the time with all of the horses. Just think how devastating it would be if Forte ran and was catastrophically injured. I believe Forte will continue with his winning ways.

[@jnormanton]

Forte is a great horse he is a big loss to the race. If he wins the Preakness and the Belmont we all will be saying what might have been.

[@jackwoods9604]

Absolutely

[@curragh4635]

​@jnormanton don't worry he's not

[@kayeroskaft9619]

@@jnormanton I will be saying he is alive to win those races. A.P. Indy was scratched…….

[@steveludwig4200]

@@jnormanton No way. Forte peaked in the BC last year and hasnt run a race that good this year and has been on the decline. VERY rare to be a champion at 2 and then recreate it at 3.

[@laurenurban3942]

Same thing happened to my barrel racing horse. He got a stone bruise on the bottom of his hoof…..it abscessed and the farrier cut into it to release the pressure. It took two months before I could ride him again.

[@steveludwig4200]

BINGO.

[@annamariayannetta242]

1:33 Same thing with my show horse, who is a full brother, to The Great Skip Away❤❤❤

[@saminelson5012]

And my Dressage horse...You see how it happens to them all,great or small.🥰

[@marysueeasteregg]

@@annamariayannetta242 He must be up in years! Ingot Way was foaled in 1981.

[@MmmattF-jp1sw]

Mike, you're all class.See you at Preakness....

[@BG-pv3fy]

He is spot on... the different rules at different tracks are a joke. Safety is Safety, period.

[@laurenurban3942]

You don’t want to run a horse with a hoof bruise. It’s not going to work well.

[@robertf976]

Scratched because 4 horses died this week and since it's derby week it was highly publicized. Surprised that he is surprised given those deaths

[@deanalbertson7203]

He is understandably disappointed.

[@lynncollver6067]

❤Beautiful horse that runs like angels fly ! Ty for treating this horse as you would want to be treated if it were you . ❤

[@haroldwilliams3553]

What needs to happen is horse racing needs a national commission of experts no matter which state you’re running in….all medications should be across the board nationwide….I understand the frustration with the pletcher team with Forte…..but a nation wide governing body should be over this whole mess…round up veterinarians,top trainers,breeders and have them keep a close watch on this sport..from the mediocre tracks to the major tracks.

[@AnikaBren]

It shows the owner's heart when he acknowledges how devastated the trainer and others in the barn are. So few would do that.

[@steveludwig4200]

BS. Repole was REALLY pissed that they wouldnt let Forte run and you can tell it. Its not about the owner and his buddies, its about the horse and since he's OBVIOUSLY not 100% he wasnt going to win (or hit the board) anyway. How would he like it if Forte jogged past the wire in 15th or so?

[@OwnedByACatNamedC.C.]

@@steveludwig4200 The real bottom line is that horse racing is a for-profit business. It’s all about making money, & LOTS of it. It is NOT about the horses. They are just the workers that have to do the bidding of their trainers, owners, jockeys, etc. because they have NO choice. If anyone involved in the business believes that they only do this for the love of horses, they’re fooling themselves.

[@steveludwig4200]

@@OwnedByACatNamedC.C. Of course its for profit. But MOST owners and trainers care a LOT about their horses as well as the workers that take care of them. There are FAR better investments than race horses and the PASSION about the competition and sport is a big part of the attraction of owning a race horse. We owned part of a horse in the 90s and it was really fun AND really nerve wracking as well. Before every race you pray that all the horses will have a "safe trip and come back healthy"/

[@albae6938]

oh yeah right the guy runs and sells lame horses all the time

[@FrankCarolei-lv6rb]

He buried mage , and mage won the derby so please shut your mouth

[@revpgesqredux]

Secretariat lost the Wood with a canker sore... Let Forte rest

[@Psyfi85]

Apparently a 1/2 dollar sized abscess but yes, should’ve been a scratch. Especially since it was discovered pre-race during tattoo check.

[@FrankCarolei-lv6rb]

Every time secretariat lost there was an excuse, take the loss like a man

[@saminelson5012]

Thank goodness it's just a bruise. That will heal... Horses are not machines. They are individuals who need protection... We humans must do that..

[@mtw9393]

This Derby is starting to smell. Hopefully one CD official alone did not make the decision to scratch Forte. In the interest of transparency CD needs to be specific on why Forte was scratched. Hopefully a MRI or XRays were done before the decision was made. The impact on the Kentucky DerbyFutures is at issue. Hopefully CD has controls in place to properly handle a situation of this magnitude. Again CD needs to be transparent.

[@juismac]

The X-rays were completely fine. Two doctors checked him yesterday and medically cleared him to run. Apparently this was a simple bruise on the hoof that got him scratched. Horse galloped perfectly fine this morning. Trainer and owner were okay with horse to run. Do you think they will jeopardize their horses health if there was something potentially wrong with him??

[@larryk1865]

Are you nuts? What possible gain would Churchill Downs realize by scratching the favorite in the Kentucky Derby? Do you have any idea how far off the total betting pool will be as a result of this? Churchill Downs will lose millions over this. It is devastating for the track, the fans, Forte's owners and everyone concerned.

[@stansmad]

Sorry for this owner, I truly believe his connections were pressured into scratching the horse by the higher powers. He definitely wanted to run and it should be his decision alone, right or wrong ! The deaths earlier in the week put a ton of burden on Churchill Downs and I am satisfied they pushed him to scratch several days ago. This morning jog was for show.

[@edwinsetlik6993]

I get that the owner is disappointed. The good news is that Forte has a bruise that will allow him to be fully recovered in a very short time. Unlike most trainers and owners, these guys may very well be here next year and many years to come. Forte will be able to show his dominance in many races this year and possibly next year.

[@mikerhodes3133]

Horses only get one shot at the derby

[@TheJepster2010]

I agree. But there is only one Kentucky Derby. Gutting for the connections who imo had a much better chance of winning the race than the 3-1 on offer. Should have been 8-5.

[@steveludwig4200]

@@TheJepster2010 Based on what? The horse had regressed since races last year and he only won last out because the other horse flat out nearly STOPPED.

[@longride7234]

Damn this is gonna be the weirdest derby ever..

[@hushmoney2058]

Like 2020 Election ....

[@briansousa6341]

Ive never seen so much horse racing drama in my life

[@TheYokotta]

@@hushmoney2058 yes . They stole it

[@hushmoney2058]

@@TheYokotta You Just can't beat them No ID mail in Ballots thanks Dr. Fauci and China ...

[@longride7234]

@@hushmoney2058 hahaha yeah

[@dforsythe2]

Devastated for all the connections w this magnificent horse. But agree with decision. Could not risk the possibility of an injury or worse for this years Kentucky Derby.

[@LivingLifeOutWest]

Yes, take care of the horse. Thank you!

[@paulcarver9739]

You know it’s like the ole saying better safe than sorry and I agree the 3 year old thing but no one wants to see a tragedy on the track . I say thanks to your understanding. Amen and God Bless

[@barbaralovenvirth8726]

Glad they're cautious! Don't need another dead horse. This Derby is jinxed...

[@victorgnozzo1894]

He is spot on about how 99% take complete care of the horses

[@darrellsturrock5795]

I don't agree. With horses at this level that figure might be accurate (maybe) but on the lower levels the percentage is much lower than 99%.

[@asturiasceltic3183]

I am sorry you are disappointed. It is for the best. The horse comes first. Barbaro was given a clean bill of health when it was obvious something was off and look what happened.

[@edwardbrown5056]

THAT HORSE HAS MORE PROBLEMS THAN JUST A FOOT TRUST AND BELIEVE IT I CAN WATCH HIM RUN AND SEE THAT

[@Jockeylotforfun]

Forte has an amazing pedigree that includes Secretariat, Seatleslew, Secratame, Teralingua, Storm cat, etc. He'll be a notable sire for the future! Glad he's ok!

[@rosscardenas6636]

storm cat is low key the best sire line.

[@Jockeylotforfun]

@@rosscardenas6636 I agree completely! Especially if those genetic factors transfer down to the colt throughout the Dam's line!

[@JJJJ-lz1vv]

When he looks back on this he’ll realize it was the right move. Initial reaction is to want to run. I was in a syndicate and we got scratched from at Grade 3 for same reason. I was initially defiant but looking back it was the right move

[@CT-yo3hh]

So, question: what is going on that horses have massive non-operable injuries on what is probably the best-groomed track in the country?

[@JJJJ-lz1vv]

@@CT-yo3hh what they are trying to prevent they are actually causing. These horses are not racing enough. All about breeding now.

[@conniewolf7300]

They made the best decision for the horse!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@fpeterlaskey332]

Forte has been my Derby pick since he was a two year old and I believe that he would have won this race. Now with a couple of other horses scratched that I was looking to box with Forte I now just have to go back to the racing form and maybe just root for Dale Romans horse Cyclone Mischief.

[@steveludwig4200]

You saved some money. If Forte ran with that "bruise" NO WAY he gets a mile and a quarter and wins. He likely would have been dropping back by the 8th pole.

[@steveludwig4200]

NO WAY he was going to win with the "misstep" bruise and thats why the MOST knowledgeable media guys wanted NO PART of him by Friday morning...

[@kevinpantera4429]

Have you ever heard a trainer say that HIS HORSE IS NOT DOING GOOD?? I REST MY CASE!!!;!

[@GerardoGonzalez-ck6bq]

That was a great decision the safety of the horse is first, will comeback stronger and watch out for the next race!!

[@DebraMaxwell-iw2ir]

Thanks Todd for caring about Horse Ok 💯 Your Awesome Ok

[@bgore88]

It took a state veterinarian to rule Forte out. The potential winnings and prestige in Triple Crown races is too great for the owners and trainers to make an unbiased decision- the benefit of the doubt will always slide towards the money.

[@steveludwig4200]

Agree and thats why Repole was pissed he wasnt allowed to run BUT if dude would think for a second...NO WAY he wins with the bruise period. HE would quit running by the 8th pole and finish mid pack at best

[@peskycitizen7582]

I’ve loved Forte since watching him last year at Saratoga. Sad and disappointed for Mike and everyone who works for Todd. Reminds me of Omaha Beach’s scratch as the favorite. Thankfully, Forte will heal and go on to great things!

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

"improvement" doesn't mean 100% healthy.

[@ticktock2383]

The champion and 3 other horses are scratched so soon before the race. Do not remember this happening before, and I've been watching since 1968.

[@indychoate8350]

Thank you Mike for the Truth! I’m so sorry our Champion is out of the race, but he is safe and he will run again. My most sincere heart broken condolences!

[@annamariayannetta242]

🙏💔😢🐴 5:14

[@seadrifter8975]

Hope the bruise injury resolves itself before the preakness . Horse night still have a magnifcent season . Unfortunate but not a disaster

[@sandrawilliams2525]

It's better for forte to be scratched and be strong than to be the8th one to die at KY derby

[@eduardopatino6678]

It also remarks the need to unify the rules in all tracks in the US. Mr. Repole points this out very well. Churchill is acting like it's a government with their own rules

[@jamescosgrave9155]

OK that's a tearjerker. :'(

[@WizCiva]

Mike come on stop this. This is safety for the animals. I bet you won’t want to see him fall or miss step in the race and get hurt. Be grateful the state vets scratch him. Every track should do this. That’s the problem why racing can’t get better owners like Mike. He made 1 good point more clarity and consistency from each clubs. They should carry the same rules.

[@curragh4635]

If it was up to him they would race Forte

[@juismac]

He clearly did not agree with the vets decision to scratch him. He thinks his horse is okay to race and he could be for all we know. I’m not sure a simple bruise should be enough to scratch him but the get seems to either be overly cautious than normal or he was ‘influenced’ by some other sources to scratch a horse who galloped with no problems this morning.

[@WizCiva]

@@juismac exactly like we get it it’s once in a life time but the animal life and those jacks life is very or more important than your derby win.

[@joshwalker8376]

Forte could have ran why do you think Todd and Mike choose to gallop him out to show that it's not us its the vets and the only reason these vets are taking horses out of races left and right are due to the fact that a couple horses had racing accidents and then they found out Saffie was doping up his horses and made the whole situation look like a crap show and gave the sport a black eye like no one took care of their horses so the tracks vets are scratching horses to save face for the track

[@sierra8186]

He is absolutely correct being frustrated with Churchill Downs and / or the Kentucky Racing Commission. First of all the President/head of Churchill is a real tool, at least what I know of him in his comments around Baffert in the past, the guy is clearly on a power trip. The fact that Churchill suspended one trainer for horse deaths out of "caution" but not 2 others when their horses died is a bit silly; Churchill is clearly trying to avert attention away from their turf course being crappy, or whatever is going on at Keeneland, a result(s) I am sure of greed and cutting corners, so that will end up coming out I am sure down the road. If I am Saffie Joseph I would have been in court Thursday morning, but I am sure he was threatened with more fake enforcement. I do understand the optics, it would be a disaster for the sport for the Derby favorite to breakdown during the race and be euthanized, that would have all of the crazies wanting to cancel the entire sport in a lather, so I get it. But consistency in these decisions, and not reacting like Churchill always does so to not have any chance for bad PR for them needs to change.

[@AuthenticMage]

Saffie Joseph has a known reputation for being sketchy. I’m of the opinion they need to go after the owner as well. Both of those horses had the same owner. Other trainers aren’t suspended because the horses had a clear cut reason for their demise. They got injured and had to be PTS. Joseph’s horses just collapsed with no reason found upon necropsy

[@irvinelawrence2733]

@@AuthenticMage so suspicion is grounds for overreaction and unfair treatment even as you stated, the necropsy found nothing adverse...so much for innocent until proven guilty...

[@matildajones6175]

​@@irvinelawrence2733 Unfortunately that seems to be the way of the world today ...

[@kayeroskaft9619]

@@irvinelawrence2733 the necropsy report is not out yet.

[@irvinelawrence2733]

@@kayeroskaft9619 but the blood tests on the living horses is back... Talk about the living paying for the dead...it is ok tho...God may wear pajamas but sleepeth not...more will come to light...

[@JohnJohn-lu3tk]

They knew this was an issue 3 days ago but said nothing but on derby day the state found out now they had to scratch the horse.

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

RACING CROOK ANIMAL ABUSERS......LISTEN TO HIS LIES NOW........!!! GET RID OF THESE CROOKS - ABUSERS......SUSPENSION 1 YEAR....ON PROBATION AFTERWARDS........WILL CUT THIS DOWN........NOWWWWWWWWWW.......!!!

[@kayeroskaft9619]

As I understand it, the Commonwealth vets are there every day. Forte still wasn’t totally over the bruise, thus the scratch.

[@JohnJohn-lu3tk]

Yes they are but the betting public wasn't made aware of the issue until Saturday morning at 7:37 am thus there was no transparency as repole talks about.

[@AuthenticMage]

Rumors have been circulating that Forte will scratch for 4 days now

[@sareight]

They were aware all along monitoring the situation.

[@ronaldames9953]

A shame because now he can't run in the preakness either less then 14 days no matter how fit he would be.

[@millie6060]

Glad to hear about this scratch. Maybe there is hope for this industry yet.

[@stevendiblasio3573]

Mr.Repole you are a class act and hopefully Forte makes it back even more spectacular! The derby will be yours one day.

[@bbsara0146]

He looked to be running fine.. and he ran around the track pretty much as fast as kentucky derby speeds so should be fine.

[@AlexXanderMarketing]

What a shame.

[@MichaelFowble-wx1hh]

Can you imagine how many horses run anyway with your hard earned money already wagered who have hoof bruises or a fever or many other ailments? Wagering on horses is a tough way to make a living.

[@bmolitor615]

Good for him, absolutely. Other owners and trainers would run no matter what...

[@dbone7940]

It sounds like Repole wanted to run him anyway. Not really sure about this guy’s ethics. I’m sure the previous deaths impacted the vet’s judgement but I’m glad they did right by the horse.

[@steveludwig4200]

@@dbone7940 Agree he was pissed that Todd even took him out this morning but the vets demanded it. If its up to REpole the horse runs and finished mid pack.

[@steveludwig4200]

He wanted to run as did Pletcher. Vets said no...Good for them.

[@1houndgal]

Forte was lame. Flinched winced during vet exam. They were right to vet scratch the horse.

[@sylviemothe4294]

! BRAVOOOOOO sage et mure décision !

[@channelsold3236]

The best odds to start a Kentucky derby race forte 3-1 is now gone?? Wow !!!!!! 😠 😡 😤 😣 😾 🤬 😠 😡 😤 😣

[@willmorrisusa]

" An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Better to error on the side of caution. Maybe he'll be ready for the Preakness. Watch out for rocks & pebbles.

[@irvinelawrence2733]

So Mage crosses the line first...but the way this week has gone...pardon the pun but "Hold your horses" ...until all bloodwork is in ...can't help but expect the "other shoe to fall"😂

[@SP5780]

You only get a chance to run in the Derby once, as a 3 year old. Forte will never get this chance again, or a chance at a Triple Crown. I am super sad for all the connections, even if it is the right decision.

[@steveludwig4200]

Why? How are they any different from the THOUSANDS of owners that have never even had a horse in the Derby? Im just happy the horse isnt running.

[@Makado14]

Mike Repole has too much money to be bought off. However, I think he is downplaying Forte's injury, they knew about this several days ago.

[@dickyoung8377]

I agree. Forte wasn't working well coming into this race. Todd did the right thing. I've seen trainers run horses that weren' fit.

[@jasonbell5905]

No way !

[@Makado14]

@@dickyoung8377 apparently it wasn't Todd,or Mike Repole. What Mike didn't bother to tell america, is that Forte had just come off of a mandatory 14 day vet list may 6th. And the track vet and the racing commission at C D scratched him.

[@Makado14]

Sad to say that Come to find out,Forte was just coming off of a mandatory 14 day vet list on May 6th, and neither Mike Repole nor Todd Pletcher had anything to do with scratching him. FORTE was scratched by the track vet and the racing commission.

[@kim.in.nature.]

Forte looked off to me last week on a hind leg, can't remember which one tho. Let's see if they tell us what hoof. How can you own these type horses and not know what a hoof tester is...?

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

THEY DO NOT CARE..................!!! 1 YEAR SUSPENSION.....ON PROBATION AFTER THAT.........NOW DEAL.......

[@AuthenticMage]

It’s left front. All thoroughbreds look off if you don’t work with them regularly. They’re back legs always look stiff when they walk

[@edwardbrown5056]

YOU CAN BULLSHIT THE PUBLIC BUT NOT ME YOU MIGHT BE TELLING 1/2 TRUTH THE FOOT COULD HAVE COME AFTER THE OTHER PROBLEMS THIS HORSE HAS I HAVE EYES AND I CAN SEE HOW HE MOVES WHEN HES RUNNING

[@KS-ud8pg]

Pletcher was lying to people yesterday. The horse was not going to win. Save him for some overnight stakes moving forward.

[@michellelilljack5514]

I knew it. That wrong step showed it. He is the 2 year old champ. Let him rest and come back strong in the Preakness. So sorry that this is happening to you.

[@jeffgutterson881]

AS I SEE THIS NOW ... three long shots in the triple ..... Anything can happen now.....

[@OswaldoLafee]

The right call for sure, never worth the risk of aggravating it to the expense of his heath or even his entire career. Now on to the Preakness to face off with his local rival and winner of the Kentucky Derby: Mage. He will be fresh and all ready to go.

[@irisaleman2419]

Something is fishy about this Kentucky Derby. 7 horses have died and this horse favorite retired....investigation is needed

[@jamsid33]

i get the idea that Mike did not agree with the scratch

[@dontlookback3549]

trainer wanted him to run...he might have been #8

[@didi33333]

Good decision, unlike the Barbaro decision.

[@ezequielcrespofigueroa2047]

It was known about Bárbaro before the Preakness?

[@Jockeylotforfun]

You're so right! Barbaro's last run was tragic!

[@bnegs521]

​@@ezequielcrespofigueroa2047 dont even respond to that clown 🤡🤡

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

I am so heartbroken for him and Todd Pletcher. I agree with him about needing uniform rules. I was under the WRONG impression that HISA set uniform rules. That needs to change. I do agree that the vets are being overly cautious, but the horse comes first. There will be plenty of top races to win.

[@sunshinepatriot1846]

Todd Fletcher is a class act.

[@steveludwig4200]

He was very evasive at the barn Friday after Forte came off the track. But hes smart enough to know what to say and what not to.

[@bestbyfar1118]

There's 90% cheaters and 10% legit that's

[@hushmoney2058]

10% for the Big Guy ....

[@robertsomohano5074]

Every year now it's always something !!!!

[@oliverrowen729]

He's probably telling the truth but he seems shady.

[@alexmerel9924]

Exactly right

[@TedTucholski]

It's like he is apologizing for scratching the horse. HE DID THE RIGHT THING. Kudos Sir. Horse racing is already f_cked up enough as it is.

[@uhya-sure8280]

Repole is a great guy - Forte is 1 of the 2 class for this years 3yr old crop.......Forte will get his shot to prove this down the road. Interesting that the top two 3yr olds haven't ran yet.

[@FoolishPrankster]

Andrew Beyer said Forte would not hit the board, looks like he was right, LOL !

[@Angel-AbC9]

Lol he has to stand there and talk all about injuries and blah blah blah to make you believe his story about Forte is true , this is called psychology 101

[@nayrod4529]

So expert, what is the truth?

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

LIARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR........!!!! LISTEN TO HIM........ZERO CREDIBILITY........NONE.........!!!

[@kevinpotts123]

What conspiracy are you blathering on about?

[@s.golibrzuchll9554]

Well put Mr. Repolie

[@mymydelilah]

Kentucky Derby needs consistency in their rules & regulations..a bruise on Forte's right foot, give me a break these horses been scraping w/ their shoes? the grasses/ mud yet they need to be flawless on their skin ?? Hon, I'm still bruised about Maximum Security 2019 Kentucky Derby winner🐎🐎🐎 was scratched off...horses cost a million? to raise them ...❤u Mike Repole

[@MaryBethMcCoy]

No, the vets can’t just ignore it if a horse is lame, even if only slightly due to a bruise. The force placed on a horse’s legs running at 45 mph on a dirt track is astronomical, and could very well cause the horse to sustain a more serious injury should it be allowed to run. The vet made the correct decision, but it is really unfortunate for all the Forte connections and fans hoping to see him run in the derby.

[@adiakhite1000]

They should take Churchill down to the Supreme Court for not keeping the track clean it’s their fault

[@theravagedgrapefruit8190]

Lol Todd will be fine. He has 2 other horses!

[@1houndgal]

They do need to incestigatw the high rate of horse deaths on the new track surface.

[@beagleman123456789]

Greedy Owner ‘

[@aaronlee-q7f]

Drugs

[@danwhite9911]

Big props to Repole for being so open about the ridiculous regulations in the industry. No way CDI forces them to scratch if they were not having such a terrible P.R. week with the other breakdowns.

[@Makado14]

You better get caught up on what happened previously and now. You have been completely misled.

[@chrisdukefields9868]

No bruise is minor dude. You got hundreds of more horses an you will get over this. Put forte 1st an not yourself. That's probably hard for you , being rich an everything

[@jeffreymarquez7377]

I’m going to go back and listen to him speak again and count how many “um’s” he gave us. Wow!!!

[@DackelPlay]

Ummmm, as you are choosing to write a critique of an unscripted on-air interview, you may wish to check your punctuation. Perhaps you could write comments to the many news presenters whose grammar, enunciation and incorrect word choices are far less excuseable. Enjoy!

[@brendabirkenbach8533]

At least he isn't say like like like like😅

[@hectormoreno3047]

Looks like Japan getting there first derby.

[@mjphoto45]

I have 17 for oaks double. Go Japan

[@sareight]

their

[@MmmattF-jp1sw]

Not Happening?!!!!

[@asturiasceltic3183]

Japan eats and slaughters race horses for meat. They did it to Ferdinand, a Kentucky Derby winner champion.

[@BIG-BlueNation8569]

Apparently he saying Bob Baffert is a one percenter''''🤭!

[@asturiasceltic3183]

Let's make Forte the new Simone Biles. When she had enough at the Olympics, she said no more. She was considered a sports hero by the media. Let's applaud the vet and Forte for this.

[@thatflippinrabbit954]

Probably a blessing,how many horses do you see literally vanish/disappear after the derby?My only dissapointment is for his stallion Violence,those NY boys have a big mouth and a big ego.

[@kayeroskaft9619]

Isn’t there another Violence in the race? (On the lighter side, maybe Violence doesn’t want to be inundated with mares next season.)

[@danielszydlowski3082]

Kentucky has gotten weird the last few years

[@pdkrace]

What next ?

[@mandyhajdusiewicz3384]

this guy loves to be on camera, he is kind of annoying to me.. by the time he ends this conversation he's said the same thing about 5 different ways, he just likes to be the center of attention. Just my opinion

[@Wyattearp73]

Because what they are using will test positive, just used a vet to help. Nerve ending on the hoof always will give a jerk response just like the dentist hitting the nerve. What a frickin joke😂

[@ZenyattaFan1]

Most of what he's saying is nonsense. The horse was off. Case closed. The state vets examine each horse on race day. If a horse is off a tick, the horse will be scratched, period. It's not a close call. If a horse is off a tick on race day, they will be scratched 100% of the time. Repole's talk about consistency is nonsense. I understand that he wants to win the Derby, but you can't run a horse who doesn't jog 100% sound for the state vet on race day.

[@buccy55]

Ummmm....

[@paulsamora1348]

Common sense over potential money, that's a switch.

[@frankcarolei9998]

Thank baffert for clearing to make the stewards finally do there job. The vets went through these horses with fine tooth comb and are yanking out any suspected juicers.. about time. The hurt foot excuse is a classic

[@garrettreynolds9145]

Todd said yesterday that he would not gallop his horses on the morning of the Derby🧐

[@irvinelawrence2733]

😢149 will be marred by the suspicious scratches😮

[@irvinelawrence2733]

@@AuthenticMage while you opt to look at this incident in isolation, the injustice meted out elsewhere along with this latest development, casts a huge dollop of suspicion on this race...take off your blinkers and cheek pieces, step back and look at the bigger picture...apart from this injury happening earlier but kept from public awareness until now...mind you, is this USA where one is innocent until proven guilty? One trainer has had to withdraw his entries and is suspended indefinitely even as the bloodwork didn't reveal any adverse analytical findings... Shame on them all...apply equal treatment across the board...not my circus, not my clowns...

[@twoResets]

Preakness?

[@sandogdy7175]

I got a $5 Oaks-Derby double on Forte.😒 I understand the decision of Repole and his team. Safety comes first. But that racetrack must be cursed. 🤣 BTW, most handicappers in youtube missed a lot yesterday's winners. The have to find some reasons to redeem themselves.

[@pete5668]

You'll get the post time favorite in the Derby. Good luck!