Kentucky Derby favorite Omaha Beach scratched due to entrapped epiglottis
The favorite for the Kentucky Derby has been scratched from the race.
Omaha Beach, which opened the day on Wednesday as the race favorite with 4:1 odds, was scratched due to entrapped epiglottis.
Breaking: morning line favorite Omaha Beach to scratch from @KentuckyDerby, according to trainer Richard Mandella. Colt to miss race with entrapped epiglottis. Was discovered after cough and scope. More to come. Mandella will meet with media at Barn 28 at 8 a.m. Thursday,
— Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) May 1, 2019
An entrapped epiglottis is a condition is an upper airway abnormality that can cause poor performance in athletic horses.
Here’s a look at the colt from earlier in the day after morning work and a walk around the barn.
This is video I took of Omaha Beach this morning after his morning work and walking around the barn. Omaha Beach is now OUT of the Kentucky Derby. pic.twitter.com/x4pnglw1MO
— Marc Weinberg (@MarcWeinbergWX) May 1, 2019
Bodemeister will replace Omaha Beach in the race. The horses with the next best odds as of Wednesday morning included Game Winner at 5:1 and Roadster and Improbable at 6-1.
The race will take place on Saturday.
