Two bits of bad news for Kentucky Derby watchers this week (yes, worse than the news about the new corporate sponsor): hopefuls Stevie Wonderboy and Sorcerer’s Stone are out of the running. The former, owned by retired talk-show host Merv “Elevator Killer” Griffin (above), continues the streak of Breeder’s Cup Juvenile winners, um, not actually doing anything (from the Courier-Journal):
Stevie Wonderboy will miss the May 6 Kentucky Derby after suffering a hairline fracture in his right foreleg during a workout yesterday at Hollywood Park, trainer Doug O’Neill said.
The injury, which is not considered career-threatening, ensures the continuation of one of racing’s most infamous streaks: No Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner has won the Kentucky Derby.
Losing the champion colt from the Derby trail is a double blow to racing, which had hoped to get extra mileage in the mainstream media because he is owned by entertainment mogul Merv Griffin.
“I think I just got punched in the stomach,” Griffin said.
The Harry Potter-named Sorcerer’s Stone is also out, with an ankle injury (also from the C-J):
Sorcerer’s Stone, the Louisville-based winner of the Grade III Arlington-Washington Futurity last fall in Chicago, has been knocked off the Kentucky Derby trail with an ankle injury, trainer Pat Byrne said yesterday.
Byrne said a “very tiny” bone chip was detected at the top of a sesamoid in the colt’s left foreleg. He said the X-rays were being sent to a Lexington clinic for another opinion to determine whether surgery is necessary. Byrne said it’s possible the injury could be treated with time off and a “blister,” a procedure where a counter-irritant promotes healing in the affected area.
Aside from hoping these horses get back on their, uh, feet soon enough, their entertainment industry names are pretty cringe-worthy. Makes me long for the days of Derby champions such as Hindoo, Brokers Tip, and Jet Pilot.