Kentucky Derby Update: Raceday Scratch and Celebrity Rumors

This Saturday’s Kentucky Derby has taken an unexpected turn with the withdrawal of the horse Puma. Trainer Gustavo Delgado reported that Puma’s legs are swollen due to a skin infection, which is certainly a disappointing development.

Delgado mentioned, “The timing was really bad,” reflecting the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the situation.

Because the deadline for entries has already passed, Puma won’t be replaced, leaving a field of 19 horses set to race, scheduled for a 6:57 p.m. start.

Puma is now one of five horses that have suffered injuries leading up to the Derby this week. This marks the sixth instance in the last eight years where the race has fewer than 20 runners, which is, well, kind of surprising.

Interestingly, Puma has garnered attention not just for racing but also for some buzz surrounding celebrity ownership. Rumors circulated earlier this week suggesting that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had a stake in the horse. However, a source clarified that they are reportedly planning to wed, not get into horse ownership.

The speculation began on social media and was primarily promoted by Puma’s co-owner, Michael Lavarone, which adds an interesting twist to the narrative.

One comment attributed to Lavarone stated, “I signed an NDA, so I can’t confirm or deny,” which, frankly, adds even more intrigue. Meanwhile, the buzz has already started shifting the odds for the race.

Initially, Puma was listed as a 10-1 shot, ranked No. 5, but following the buzz about its potential celebrity connections, those odds changed dramatically, landing at +350 favorites by Wednesday. By Friday night, they had moved to +800.

However, some experts, like Vic Cangiarosi, believed Puma might finish a bit further back due to their usual slow start from the gate.

It’ll definitely be interesting to see how this unfolds on race day. Keep an eye on the drama leading up to the Derby!