The dramatic moments leading up to the Kentucky Derby left many wondering about the condition of one of its most intriguing late entries, Great White. Just minutes before the start of the Triple Crown opener, the imposing gray gelding flipped while waiting to be led into the starting gate, throwing jockey Alex Achard and forcing officials to scratch him from the race.
Fortunately, the aftermath has been overwhelmingly positive. Trainer John Ennis quickly reassured fans and media that the incident left no lasting impact. “He’s perfect,” Ennis said, emphasizing that the mishap “took nothing out of him.”
Achard also walked away under his own power, further easing concerns. For a horse of Great White’s size (roughly 1,370 pounds), the situation could have ended far worse, but both horse and rider escaped unharmed.
The incident itself caused a brief delay, forcing officials to back several horses out of the starting gate. Notably, eventual winner Golden Tempo had not yet been loaded, a detail that may have helped preserve his focus ahead of the race.
Jockey Jose Ortiz later remarked on the importance of maintaining a horse’s mental readiness, noting how backing out of the gate can alter a horse’s mindset.
A Strong Return to Form
In the days following the Derby, all signs have pointed to a horse in peak condition. According to Ennis, Great White returned to the barn immediately after the fall, received routine care, and quickly displayed his usual energy. From rolling in the grass to jogging miles with ease, the gelding has shown no signs of fatigue or distress.
Ennis even joked about the incident, saying he has “taken worse falls out of bed,” underscoring just how minor the effects appear to be. More importantly, Great White’s behavior has remained consistent with his personality.
Known for rearing when he feels especially strong, the trainer explained that the fall was more a matter of circumstance, specifically resistance from the pony rider, than a sign of instability or injury.
The team has already mapped out a light training schedule, including an easy half-mile breeze at the Keeneland-owned Thoroughbred Center in Lexington. If all goes according to plan, Great White will continue building toward his next potential start with confidence and momentum.
Eyeing the Preakness Stakes
The big question now is whether Great White will take his place in the next leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes. According to Ennis, the answer is leaning toward yes.
Although the Derby scratch automatically placed Great White on the veterinarian’s list for seven days, the requirements for removal are relatively straightforward. Rather than needing to perform an official workout, a licensed veterinarian must simply confirm that the horse is fit to race. With Great White already training well, that hurdle appears more procedural than problematic.
Ennis has made it clear that a final decision will depend on the horse’s upcoming workout. If Great White breezes strongly and continues to show his current level of energy, he is expected to be entered in the Preakness, with Achard retaining the mount.
A Contender Worth Watching
Looking ahead, Ennis believes Great White’s running style could make him a compelling contender. The plan had been to ride him from the back of the pack in the Derby, a strategy similar to the one that ultimately helped Golden Tempo secure victory.
Great White’s recent form also suggests untapped potential. After transitioning from synthetic surfaces to dirt, he finished fifth in the Blue Grass Stake.
If the Derby incident proved anything, it’s that Great White has both the physical resilience and competitive spirit to bounce back quickly. Should he line up at Pimlico, he’ll be one of the most closely watched horses in the field.
Will Great White Run Preakness Stakes? Derby Incident Raises Questions