Irgun Has a Sore Hoof, to Skip Kentucky Derby

Irgun, a Southland colt who won the Gotham Stakes and Wood Memorial in New York, was scratched from the Kentucky Derby on Tuesday because of an abscess in his right front hoof.

Irgun was considered one of the few front-runners who would challenge Holy Bull for the lead at Churchill Downs on May 7. Holy Bull became the Derby favorite after scoring front-running victories in the Florida Derby and Blue Grass Stakes.

Steve Young, who trains Irgun for Brandon and Marianne Chase, had been soaking the colt’s foot since his arrival at Churchill Downs.

“It’s been taking its time to heal,” Young said.

A $28,000 yearling purchase, Irgun was unraced as a 2-year-old. He was shipped to Aqueduct after a victory and a second behind Strodes Creek in two starts at Santa Anita this winter. He won the Gotham by six lengths and was 1 1/2 lengths better than Go For Gin in the Wood on April 16.