Latest News About The Puma Kentucky Derby

Direct answer: The Puma was scratched from the 2026 Kentucky Derby due to a swollen leg from a skin infection, so the race proceeded with 19 horses.

Key details:

• Timing: Scratched on race morning, less than 12 hours before post time. This reduced the field from 20 to 19.[2][6]
• Reason: Swelling in The Puma’s leg caused by a skin infection, according to the trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr. and Jr..[6][2]
• Impact: The scratch shuffled favorite status and post positions for the Derby; Renegade remained a top contender as the race field adjusted to 19 horses.[3][2]
• Field context: The Derby field was officially listed as 19 entrants after the scratch.[2][6]

Illustration (example scenario):

• Pre-scratch: The Puma listed among the favorites with roughly 8-10/1 odds.[2]
• Post-scratch: Field reduces to 19; Renegade and other runners assume the spotlight as the favored group.[3][2]

If you’d like, I can pull the latest official odds and post times from Churchill Downs and summarize the updated Derby field. I can also provide a short table of the final 19 runners and their jockeys.[6][2]