Here’s the latest I can share: The Puma was scratched from the 2026 Kentucky Derby due to swelling in a leg from a skin infection, reducing the field to 19 horses. Multiple outlets reported the scratch occurred less than 12 hours before post time, with Churchill Downs officials confirming the reason as an injury setback for The Puma. The trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr. and Jr. stated the swelling should subside in a day or two, but the decision was made to withdraw the colt to avoid risking further harm.[2][5][6][8]
If you’d like, I can pull a fresh summary from today’s news feeds and provide a concise list of how the Derby lineup looks now, plus any notable implications for wagering or contenders. I can also track updates on The Puma’s condition and any follow-up appearances in upcoming races.
Key quick takeaways:
- Field reduced to 19 due to The Puma’s scratch.[5][2]
- Reason: swollen leg from a skin infection; timing described as very unlucky.[2][5]
- Next steps: potential recovery window of a day or two for The Puma; no race involvement in Derby this year.[5][2]
Citations:
- The Puma scratch and field reduction to 19 horses.[2]
- Official confirmation and injury reason from trainer statements.[5]
- Additional reporting on Derby field changes and post-time context.[6]
Sources
The Kentucky Derby will feature 19 horses after The Puma was scratched due to injury. The race is set for Saturday at Churchill Downs., Agency News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.comThe 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby will be run with 19 horses instead of the maximum 20 after a late scratch less than 12 hours before the race. The Puma was ruled out Saturday because of a swollen leg from a skin infection. The horse trained by Gustavo Delgado Sr. and son Gustavo Delgado Jr. opened at odds of 10-1 and was bet down to 8-1 by Friday. Renegade remains the favorite in the wide-open field for the opening leg of the Triple Crown that is set to go off at roughly 7 p.m. Eastern.
feeds.ajc.comOne of the trendy picks going into the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby has been scratched just hours away from the big race
www.on3.comThe Puma has scratched just hours before the 2026 Kentucky Derby, leaving the field at 19 horses heading into the race.
www.nbcsports.comKentucky Derby hopeful The Puma, among the favorites at 7-1 odds, was scratched on Saturday morning due to a leg injury. The chestnut colt developed swelling in his leg due to a skin infection, according to trainer Gustavo Delgado, and would not be able to make the 6:57 p.m.
www.yardbarker.comA trendy pick to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby is a late removal from the starting field due to injury.
www.kentucky.comThe Puma has been scratched from the 2026 Kentucky Derby on race morning due to a swollen leg from a skin infection. The field is now 19 horses with post time remaining at 6:57 PM Eastern.
artvoice.comThe Puma, regarded as a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs this Saturday, has been withdrawn from the race., US Sports News, Times Now World
www.timesnowworld.com