Great White gets scratched from Kentucky Derby just before race after jockey gets thrown
Great White was scratched from the 2026 Kentucky Derby just minutes before the race after jockey Alex Achard was thrown during a chaotic scene at Churchill Downs. The horse flipped over but avoided landing on its jockey, causing a brief delay before the race proceeded with 18 horses. Golden Tempo went on to win the 152nd running of the Derby in a dramatic comeback.
- ▪Great White was scratched from the Kentucky Derby after throwing jockey Alex Achard near the starting gate.
- ▪The incident caused a brief delay as the remaining horses were reloaded into the starting gate.
- ▪Golden Tempo won the 2026 Kentucky Derby, with Renegade and Ocelli finishing second and third.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Sports Great White gets scratched from Kentucky Derby just before race after jockey gets thrown By Andrew Crane Published May 2, 2026, 8:00 p.m. ET Another horse was scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby just minutes before post time — and this one involved a scary scene at Churchill Downs. Great White, who entered as the biggest horse in the field at 1,370 pounds and with 22-1 odds, was removed from the race after throwing jockey Alex Achard onto the ground near the starting gate, according to the Associated Press. 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.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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