LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Great White is doing just fine after a surprising flip before the Kentucky Derby that left his jockey, Alex Achard, on the ground. Trainer John Ennis reassured everyone that Great White is “perfect” and feeling energetic after the incident.
The incident occurred when Great White, a hefty gray gelding weighing around 1,370 pounds, got startled while waiting to enter the starting gate. Achard walked away unhurt. Due to the mishap, track veterinarians decided to scratch Great White, making it his first time missing the Derby.
Ennis later confirmed that Achard was also doing well. The flip caused a slight delay in the race, originally set to begin just after 7 p.m. Horses already loaded in the gate had to be backed out, but luckily, Golden Tempo hadn’t yet entered.
Jockey Jose Ortiz, who went on to win the race by a narrow margin, noted that he was relieved not to have been loaded into the gate during the delay. He expressed that he was confident in Golden Tempo’s readiness. “Seems like a pretty clean break,” Ortiz said. “His mind is ready to go. As soon as you back him up, everything changes.”
Great White was able to join the Derby lineup only after Silent Tactic had to withdraw due to a foot injury. It shows how quickly things can change in horse racing.
In recent years, horse racing has seen an increase in awareness around the health and safety of both horses and jockeys, leading to stricter regulations. According to a 2022 report from the Jockeys’ Guild, injuries have decreased by 15% due to improved safety measures. This is a positive sign for the future of the sport.
With more trainers advocating for horse welfare, the industry is changing for the better. As we look to the future of horse racing, the focus on both jockey and horse health will be crucial in maintaining the sport’s integrity.
For more updates on horse racing, check out the AP horse racing hub: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing.
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