Buddha Out Of Kentucky Derby 128

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 3, 2002) --- Buddha, the winner of the Wood Memorial (GI), was declared out of the Kentucky Derby with a foot injury Friday morning.

Trainer H. James Bond told Churchill Downs officials that the gray/roan son of Unbridled's Song would not run in the Kentucky Derby after discovering the colt had an injured left foot.

"The horse (Buddha) came out of his stall this morning right before 5 a.m. and he was off in his left front leg," Bond said. "Our preliminary looks show more of a foot, possibly a bruised foot right now. We're going to do what's best in the interest of the horse and wait for another day. It's very disappointing for my clients and myself but Buddha will have another day."

Buddha, who has a record of 3-0-0 in four starts with earnings of $489,600. The colt was undefeated in three tries this year and would have been the first starter for Bond. Jockey Pat Day, who was slated to ride Buddha, will be without a Derby mount for the first time since 1983, breaking a streak of 18 consecutive mounts.

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