Right to Party scratched from Kentucky Derby

Field Level Media|published: Fri 1st May, 11:27 2026

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Right To Party works during a morning training session during Kentucky Derby week. The horse is trained by Kenny McPeek. April 29, 2026

Right to Party was scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Friday, the day before the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.

The decision was made by regulatory veterinarians on hand in Louisville, Ky. The vets diagnosed the horse with right front lameness, an abnormality that could affect its gait and pose danger to the horse and jockey.

Right to Party was a 30-1 longshot on the morning line before the scratch and was set to start in the No. 5 post position, which has been a favorable spot in past races. He was replaced by Robusta, a 50-1 longshot who will start from Gate 23.

This is the third horse to be replaced in advance of the 20-horse race. Silent Tactic, another longshot, was replaced by Great White.

Ocelli took the spot of Fulleffort, who was scratched Thursday. Ocelli carries 50-1 odds and will attempt to become just the fourth horse to gain its first career win at the Kentucky Derby. That last was done in 1933 by Brokers Tip.

Right to Party is trained by Ken McPeek, who won his first Kentucky Derby in 2024 with Mystik Dan involved in a three-horse photo finish. Jockey Christopher Elliott was set to ride Right to Party on Saturday.

--Field Level Media