LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The field for the 151st Kentucky Derby has been reduced to 19 horses after Grande was scratched from the race. This decision comes just 36 hours before the highly anticipated event, leaving owner Mike Repole and his team baffled.

Grande, a 3-year-old colt trained by Todd Pletcher, had been battling a slight cracked heel, which had shown improvement throughout the week. Despite clean diagnostic tests, including a PET scan requested by Kentucky state veterinarians, the decision to scratch Grande was made.

"Unfortunately, the vets have decided to scratch Grande," Repole posted on X. "He has been battling a slight cracked heel this week which has been improving. We were very confused with all the clean diagnostics and improvement all week, why they rushed to judgment to scratch today."

Repole, a self-made billionaire from New York, has faced similar situations in the past. In 2011, Uncle Mo was scratched the day before the race due to a gastrointestinal infection, and in 2023, Forte was scratched the morning of the race because of a bruised right front foot. Repole remains winless in the Derby, with an 0-for-8 record.

"We all love these horses and our number one concern is the safety and welfare of these amazing Thoroughbreds," Repole wrote. "With all the diagnostics we have taken, the great vets we use, and the experience of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, we are baffled and confused by what criteria vets are using to determine who scratches, who doesn't and when...especially when every diagnostic tells us the horse is safe and sound."

With Grande's scratch, there will be no replacement, as he was the only horse on the also-eligible list. Rodriguez's earlier scratch had already moved Baeza into the field.

Grande was the lone runner for two-time Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher and was to be ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez. The decision to scratch Grande has added another layer of intrigue to this year's Kentucky Derby, as fans and bettors alike adjust their expectations for the race.