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Champion Ted Noffey Ruled Out of 2026 Kentucky Derby with Bone Bruising
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Derby Heartbreak: Ted Noffey Kentucky Derby Injury
The road to the 152nd Kentucky Derby lost its brightest star after Spendthrift Farm officially announced that Ted Noffey, the reigning Champion Two-Year-Old Male and undefeated early favorite for the Run for the Roses, has been taken out of training and is off the Kentucky Derby trail due to a diagnosis of bone bruising.
The decision was made following the colt’s latest workout at Palm Beach Downs on January 23, where he breezed a half-mile in :50.81. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher noticed the colt wasn’t traveling with his typical efficiency in the days following the work.
“Since his last breeze, he hasn’t been moving as well as he normally does,” Pletcher said. “Out of an abundance of caution, we had him thoroughly examined, and the diagnosis came back as bruised condyles.”
The team at Spendthrift Farm, led by Eric and Tammy Gustavson, echoed the sentiment of prioritizing the horse’s longevity. “Our priority is his long-term health and career,” stated General Manager Ned Toffey. “We’re all in agreement that giving the colt time off is the right decision.”
What is Bone Bruising?
In the world of high-performance horses, bone bruising (specifically bruised condyles) is a condition where the subchondral bone suffers microscopic damage from repetitive high-impact stress.
There is no quick fix and the primary treatment is a period of rest (usually 90 days) to allow the bone to remodel and strengthen. The only real cure is time and rest.
Juvenile Campaign Accomplishments
- Hopeful Stakes (G1): An 8 ½-length romp at Saratoga.
- Breeders’ Futurity (G1): A dominant victory at Keeneland.
- Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1): A career-best Recent Speed Figure to seal his Eclipse Award.
The setback ends any hopes of a Triple Crown run for the son of Into Mischief, and he leaves the Derby trail with a perfect 4-for-4 record that has led the division since last summer.
The Impact of the Ted Noffey Kentucky Derby Injury
With Ted Noffey officially removed from the list, a new list of leading contenders has emerged:
Top Tier Contenders
| Horse | Trainer | Key Win | Notes |
| Paladin | Chad Brown | Remsen Stakes | New betting favorite for many. |
| Golden Tempo | Cherie DeVaux | Lecomte Stakes | Elite pedigree for the 1 ¼ mile distance. |
| Further Ado | Brad Cox | KY Jockey Club | Proven winner at Churchill Downs. |
| Incredibolt | Riley Mott | Street Sense | Improving sort with high tactical speed. |
| Napoleon Solo | Chad Summers | Champagne Stakes | The leading speed threat in the division. |
