Horse racing-Pletcher-trained colt Grande scratched from Kentucky Derby

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May 2 (Reuters) – Repole Stable’s Grande has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby on the eve of the first leg of U.S. thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown due to what Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher called a foot bruise, Churchill Downs said on Friday.

The withdrawal of the lightly-raced dark bay colt, who had won twice in three races, comes a day after the Bob Baffert-trained Rodriguez was scratched from the Kentucky Derby because of a bruised foot.

Repole Stable owner Mike Repole said in a statement on X that Grande was battling a “slight cracked heel” this week which had been improving and that the decision to scratch was made by the veterinarians.

“We all love these horses and our number one concern is the safety and welfare of these amazing Thoroughbreds,” said Repole. “That is, and should always be the priority.

“With all the diagnostics we have taken, the great vets we use, and the experience of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, we are baffled and confused by what criteria vets are using to determine who scratches, who doesn’t and when … especially when every diagnostic tells us the horse is safe and sound.”

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Ken Ferris)