Skip to content

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Suspended by Churchill Downs after Horse Deaths

Ban Leads to Scratch of Wood Memorial Winner Lord Miles from Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is supposed to be the pinnacle of horse racing. This year’s road to Saturday’s Run for the Roses has been littered with thorns.

On Thursday, Churchill Downs, the site of the first leg of the Triple Crown, announced trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has been suspended after two of his horses died in races over the track.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 04: Saffie Joseph Jr. the trainer of Lord Miles during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by ANDY LYONS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Joseph was scheduled to run Wood Memorial winner Lord Miles in the Kentucky Derby. However, that horse has now been scratched.

Mandarin Hero will come off the also-eligible list and vie for the roses.

The earlier scratch of Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move paved the way for Cyclone Mischief to enter the race.

Late Thursday, Continuar was scratched from the race. King Russell, the final AE, will now be in the field

Per rules, Cyclone Mischief will break from gate 18 and is 30-1 on the morning line.

Mandarin Hero will leave from gate 19 and is 20-1 on the morning line.

King Russell exits gate 20 and is 55-1.

Cyclone Mischief will wear saddlecloth 21. Mandarin Hero will wear 22. King Russell will wear 23.

Those will be their numbers when it comes to wagering on the 1 1/4-mile race.

Mandarin Hero figures to attract betting interest off his huge effort in finishing second to Practical Move in the Santa Anita Derby.

Did you find this article interesting?

Comments (0)

Featured Picks

Related News