Eclipse Award-winning two-year-old Ted Noffey has been ruled out of Kentucky Derby contention after being diagnosed with bone bruising, with connections opting to give the colt time away from training.
The update was confirmed on Thursday by owner Spendthrift Farm after the colt showed signs of discomfort following a recent workout at Palm Beach Downs.
Trainer Todd Pletcher said the issue was identified after the colt failed to move as fluently as expected following the breeze.
“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. Typically, this issue requires about 90 days to resolve, so we’ll look to resume training around the first of May.”
The setback rules Ted Noffey out of early preparations toward the Kentucky Derby, with connections instead focusing on a later return.
The colt completed an unbeaten juvenile campaign, winning all four of his starts, including Group 1 victories in the Hopeful Stakes, Breeders’ Futurity and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, earning him Champion 2-Year-Old Male honours.
Spendthrift Farm General Manager Ned Toffey said the decision was made with the colt’s long-term welfare in mind.
“Obviously we’re disappointed,” Toffey said.
“But after discussions with Todd, the veterinary team, and owners Eric and Tammy Gustavson, we are all in agreement that giving the colt time off is the right decision. Our priority is his long-term health and career.”
Toffey added that the expectation is for Ted Noffey to return later in the year.
“With rest and turnout, we’re hopeful he’ll be back and ready to compete later this summer and fall,” he said.