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]
Sources
The Puma has scratched just hours before the 2026 Kentucky Derby, leaving the field at 19 horses heading into the race.
www.nbcsports.comThe Puma, regarded as a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs this Saturday, has been withdrawn from the race., US Sports News, Times Now World
www.timesnowworld.comOne of the trendy picks going into the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby has been scratched just hours away from the big race
www.on3.comThe 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby will be run with 19 horses instead of the maximum 20 after a late scratch less than 12 hours before the race. The Puma was ruled out Saturday because of a swollen leg from a skin infection. The horse trained by Gustavo Delgado Sr. and son Gustavo Delgado Jr. opened at odds of 10-1 and was bet down to 8-1 by Friday. Renegade remains the favorite in the wide-open field for the opening leg of the Triple Crown that is set to go off at roughly 7 p.m. Eastern.
www.ajc.comKentucky Derby hopeful The Puma, among the favorites at 7-1 odds, was scratched on Saturday morning due to a leg injury. The chestnut colt developed swelling in his leg due to a skin infection, according to trainer Gustavo Delgado, and would not be able to make the 6:57 p.m.
www.yardbarker.comThe Kentucky Derby will feature 19 horses after The Puma was scratched due to injury. The race is set for Saturday at Churchill Downs., Agency News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.comThe Puma is a chestnut colt born on February 7, 2023. He has raced three times with one win, one second-place finish, and one third-place finish. $244K earnings demonstrates quality racing competition at premium venues.
www.kentuckyderby.comThe Puma has been scratched from the 2026 Kentucky Derby on race morning due to a swollen leg from a skin infection. The field is now 19 horses with post time remaining at 6:57 PM Eastern.
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