The Puma scratched from Kentucky Derby due to swelling in leg
The Puma has been scratched from the 2026 Kentucky Derby after a leg swelling caused by a skin infection was discovered. Trainer Gustabo Delgado confirmed the decision, ruling the horse out of the race just a day before the event. An alternate will not replace The Puma, leaving 19 horses to compete in the Derby.
- ▪The Puma was scratched due to swelling in its leg caused by a skin infection.
- ▪Trainer Gustabo Delgado confirmed the scratch, calling it 'really bad timing.'
- ▪An alternate will not take The Puma’s place as the entry deadline has passed.
- ▪The Puma was briefly rumored to have partial ownership by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, but sources confirmed they have no stake.
- ▪The horse had moved to favoritism in betting odds due to the celebrity rumors before being scratched.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Sports The Puma scratched from Kentucky Derby due to swelling in leg By Bridget Reilly Published May 2, 2026, 10:57 a.m. ET One of the top horses to watch in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby is a race day scratch. The Puma will be out of the popular horse race after trainer Gustabo Delgado confirmed swelling was discovered in the horse’s leg due to a skin infection. “It’s just really bad timing,” Delgado told Churchill Downs’ Kevin Kerstein. An alternate will not take The Puma’s place in the starting gate as the deadline for eligible entries has passed. Barring no other last-minute scratches, there will be 19 horses in the field for the derby, which is set for a 6:57 p.m. start time. Kentucky Derby entrant The Puma works out at Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, 2026, in Louisville, Ky.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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