Churchill Downs, Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – The storied gates of the Kentucky Derby will see a change in contenders. Silent Tactic, a colt previously slated to run, has been officially withdrawn from the 152nd running of the race due to a bruised foot. This development paves the way for Great White, an also-eligible horse, to enter the main field.
The absence of Silent Tactic, whose odds had been set at 20-1 on the morning line, is attributed to a painful foot ailment. Trainer Mark Casse indicated that the injury, described as akin to a fingernail separation, is significant enough to sideline the horse and that the team hopes for a recovery in time for the Preakness Stakes on May 16. Great White, initially listed at 50-1, now finds its path to the Derby open.
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Silent Tactic's Exit
The announcement of Silent Tactic's scratch came on Wednesday. The horse had reportedly jogged for 10 minutes on the Churchill Downs track Wednesday morning, following which the decision was made. This move ensures that the integrity of the competition is not compromised by an underperforming or potentially injured horse. The Derby field, a collection of the nation's top three-year-old Thoroughbreds, is known for its rigorous standards and swift changes.
Great White's Ascent
Great White, trained by John Ennis, now takes a spot in the starting lineup. His prior races have all been within Kentucky, with his initial three starts occurring at Turfway Park on its synthetic Tapeta surface. His record includes a maiden special weight win, a fifth-place finish in the Leonatus Stakes, and a victory in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes, prior to his most recent outing at Keeneland.
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Other Changes
Separately, My Miss Mo, a runner-up in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks, was also scratched from the Kentucky Oaks, the traditional Friday undercard race for fillies. The reason for her withdrawal was not immediately provided.
