Great White scratched just minutes before start of Kentucky Derby

The 2026 Kentucky Derby has been full of scratches, with four in the lead-in to the race, and there was one more right before the race began.

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Great White became the fifth scratch of the race, tying the record for most scratches in Kentucky Derby history. It came just before the horses took their places, as the horse had an incident that led to his scratch.

While Golden Tempo ended up with the victory, Great White’s scratch became a storyline as well. Here’s what you need to know about the late scratch.

MORE: Full results from 2026 Kentucky Derby

Great White scratched

As the horses were on their way to their starting positions, Great White had an incident where he got spooked and flipped over. Since the veterinarians didn’t have the time to check out the horse and ensure he was ok, Great White ended up as a late scratch.

Great White is now a scratch at the Kentucky Derby after flipping over before the race began. pic.twitter.com/iILPE2stwB

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 2, 2026

Great White had to be corralled, and his jockey took a tumble as well, as it was clear that something bothered the horse in that moment.

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GREAT WHITE flipped his rider over ahead of the Kentucky Derby and has been scratched from the race.

Unexpected turn of events at Churchill Downs. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jzdadDPJd0

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) May 2, 2026

Fortunately, Great White was able to walk away with the rest of the horses after the Kentucky Derby and «appeared to have no visible injuries,» according to DRF Breeding’s Nicole Russo.

Great White spent the race in the paddock following his scratch. He walked home with the rest of the field postrace and appeared to have no visible serious injuries.

Sharing the video below to appreciate an amazing snag here from Churchill outrider, as always. #KyDerby https://t.co/Z4vmkarZ7K

— Nicole Russo (@DRFRusso) May 3, 2026

With Great White’s surprise exit, the Kentucky Derby field whittled down to only 18.

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