The morning of the Kentucky Derby, the favorite was scratched from the race.I Want Revenge, the Wood Memorial winner, was pulled out of the race as a precautionary measure when his trainer, Jeff Mullins, discovered what has been described as a spot on the horse's left front ankle.
Although X-rays were negative, the horse's owners decided they didn't want to take any chances with their multimillion-dollar animal, and so I Want Revenge is now out of the field.
The veterinarian, Dr. Larry Bramlage, was reportedly examining I Want Revenge in Mullins' barn Saturday morning. Early indications are that the injury is not career-threatening, but this is still a major disappointment. I Want Revenge was thought to be the kind of horse that could make a run at the Triple Crown.
The favorites in the 135th Run for the Roses will now be Dunkirk and Pioneer of the Nile, both of whom were listed at 4-1 odds Saturday morning.
UPDATE: As bets continue to come in, Friesan Fire is now listed as the favorite.
Kentucky Derby Photos
Natalie Palzrmic, of Chicago, wears a fancy hat at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP
Lacie Minchew of Baton Rouge, La., wears a fancy hat at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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A vendor holds a tray of mint juleps, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/John Sommers (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)
Reuters
Jack Abby of Louisville, Ky., smokes a cigar in the paddock before the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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A race fan buys a mint julep, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)
Reuters
A race fan holds a mint julep, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)
Reuters
Race fans walk past a mint julep vendor ahead of the 135th running of the Kenticky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)
Reuters
I Want Revenge Trainer co-owner David Lanzman with his wife, Desirae, attend a news conference before the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. The early favorite was scratched from the race because of ankle injury.(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
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Donavan Barnett of Warwick, RI, wears a spires hat in the paddock before the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Kelly Leonareli of Louisville, Ky., wears a fancy hat at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Brian Bohannon)
AP
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-02-2009 @ 11:50AM
mike said...
That's bad news. Hopefully I Want Revenge is back in time for the Preakness or Belmont.
Reply
5-02-2009 @ 12:05PM
Michael David Smith said...
It's now looking like I Want Revenge won't run in the Preakness or Belmont but might be back in time for the Travers Stakes.
Reply
5-02-2009 @ 4:08PM
PEGGY said...
ITS ABOUT TIME THEY CONSIDER THE ANIMALS FIRST, GOOD CHOICE ON THEIR PART
Reply