Welcome to the Kentucky Derby, where anything can happen, even on race day. This year, one of the biggest surprises was the scratch of Forte, the morning-line favorite for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby.
According to multiple reports, Forte was scratched from the race on the morning of May 6th, 2023, after a workout. This decision was made by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission due to a health issue with the horse.
Forte had won four straight races leading up to the Derby, making him a top contender and the expected favorite to win. He opened as the 3-1 favorite, with his co-owner, Mike Repole, expressing high hopes for his horse’s performance.
However, Repole is no stranger to Derby disappointments. In 2011, he had to scratch another 2-year-old champion, Uncle Mo, the day before the race due to a gastrointestinal infection. This year, the disappointment came on race day, just hours before the start of the big event.
The news of Forte’s scratch shocked the racing world, with the Washington Post describing it as a “stunning turn of events.” Fans and experts alike were left wondering what could have been for Forte and what this unexpected turn of events would mean for the rest of the field.
Forte’s scratch also had an impact on the betting odds, with his absence affecting the overall outlook for the race. Many bettors had already placed their wagers on Forte, and the odds shifted dramatically after his scratch.
Despite the disappointment, the Kentucky Derby continued as scheduled, with the remaining horses vying for the top spot. As always, the race was filled with excitement and anticipation, with fans and bettors on the edge of their seats until the very end.
In the end, it will be another horse who crossed the finish line first, and the racing world will be left to ponder what could have been for Forte. While his scratch was a major upset, it was also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where even the favorites can fall short on race day.
