Great White was scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2 moments before post time after flipping over on the course while being led to the starting gate at Churchill Downs.
He was the fifth horse scratched this week.
Horse No. 21, Great White, is a late scratch at the gate. pic.twitter.com/jqwYQ0kD7p
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 2, 2026
The dramatic scene unfolded as horses were being loaded for the 6:57 p.m. post time. He reared up, throwing jockey Alex Achard. Course veterinarians were there quickly evaluating them and Great White was scratched shortly thereafter.
Great White, a 1,365-pound gray gelding trained by John Ennis, had only gotten into the race earlier in the week as a replacement for Silent Tactic, who scratched with a foot injury.
The scratch dropped the field from 19 horses to 18.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Great White’ scratched from Kentucky Derby after bucking off rider