Great White is fine after Kentucky Derby scratch and jockey incident

Trainer John Ennis says Great White is doing well after a late Kentucky Derby scratch, following a flip that threw his jockey.

A big scare just minutes before the Kentucky Derby is turning into a quick recovery for Great White.

Great White is doing well after throwing his jockey and being scratched late from the Triple Crown opener, trainer John Ennis said in the aftermath, adding that the horse is “perfect.” Ennis described Great White as very fresh, saying the incident did not seem to take anything out of him.

The trouble started while Great White and the rest of the field were waiting to be walked into the starting gate. The big gray gelding was spooked by something, then flipped and tossed rider Alex Achard.

In this kind of situation, a horse’s calm afterward often matters as much as what happens in the moment, and Ennis’s assessment suggests Great White settled back in.

Achard walked away after the incident under his own power. Track veterinarians later scratched Great White and prevented both Achard and Ennis from entering the Derby, marking a sudden change right before post time.

Meanwhile, Great White only got into the field after another contender, Silent Tactic, was ruled out due to a foot injury earlier in the week.

For owners and trainers, last-minute access to a race can be a rare chance, so a scratch after arriving at the gate is the kind of setback that tests patience and readiness.

With Great White now reportedly fine, the focus shifts to how the team manages any lingering concerns following the spook and the flip. Misryoum will be watching for further updates as the horse’s next steps are determined.