As Kentucky Derby scratches mount, tensions rise between horsemen, vets

Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026

Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026

Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026

Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026

Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026

Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026

Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026

Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.

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See full field of horses racing in the 2026 Kentucky Derby

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

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See full field of horses racing in the 2026 Kentucky Derby

2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week

2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026

'Now we're doing five a day'

As the sun rose on the hallowed Churchill grounds the day before the 152nd Kentucky Derby, KHRGC chief veterinarian Nick Smith stood in Kenny McPeek’s office doorway as an exercise rider changed his boots in the corner.

”Hey Kenny, can we talk?" Smith asked.

In the next minute, the regulatory veterinarians would scratch McPeek's Derby contender Right to Party for right front lameness, claiming he was unsound to run, the trainer told his barn. In turn, he would begin making a series of calls to let people know they could halt their dreams of lifting the Derby trophy two years after winning the Oaks-Derby double.

"We averaged one state vet scratch a day five years ago," McPeek told The Courier Journal in the minutes following Right to Party's scratch. "Now we’re doing five a day. ... The logistics of getting a horse off a list is brutal. It takes so long."

A Courier Journal analysis of scratches during Derby week — a small slice of the Kentucky racing annual pie, but the one with the most eyes watching — found 20 scratches for unsoundness or injury by regulatory vets in 57 races. That's on track with all of race week scratches in 2025, with 23 total.

Chief veterinarian for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Dr. Nick Smith watches on the track at Churchill Downs during workouts for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. April 30, 2026

This comes after the Derby Dozen in 2023, when 12 horses died, including many on the track in morning training and during races, in the week before the 149th Kentucky Derby.

An investigation by the Paulick Report's Chelsea Hackbarth of publicly available information from KHRC and Equibase, as well as records obtained from Churchill Downs Inc., also showed regulatory veterinarian scratches in Kentucky have increased in recent years.

Hackbarth reported that the records focus on horses scratched by state vets "for unsoundness either during a pre-race exam on the morning of the race, or for the same problem during the afternoon immediately before the race went off. They discard all other reasons for a scratch, like paddock or gate accidents."

Hackbarth's review of the data also showed the rate of regulatory veterinarian scratches was highest during Keeneland's spring meet "when just shy of five percent of entries, or 58 horses, were deemed unfit to race due to unsoundness."

Horses on the track during 2026 Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 30, 2026

On April 4, just days into Keeneland's spring meet, WinStar Farm CEO Elliott Walden posted on X a video of a horse, John Hancock, being jogged.

"So Nick Smith & his team scratched John Hancock this morning after looking at him for 30 min. & multiple jogs bc it was not obvious to them," Walden wrote. "He has not run in 365+ days, passed the vet test in Fla. to run two weeks ago, & passed the blood test.

"But here is a question. Ky average catastrophic breakdown in 2025 was 1.24/1000 starts. National average was 1.04/1000 for 17% improvement over Kentucky.

"If Nick Smith and his team are doing such a great job, then why is the breakdown rate higher in Kentucky when he scratches twice as many horses?"

That is the question horseman after horseman posed to The Courier Journal.

The KHRGC did not respond to a request for comment regarding the tension between trainers and regulatory veterinarians.

In response to the scratch of Right to Party, the KHRGC issued a statement that said:

"Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming cannot comment on the specifics of an individual scratch. However, I can say that the safety and well-being of the racehorses training and competing in Kentucky are the center of everything we do. KHRG closely monitors data pertaining to scratches, including those based on the advice of our regulatory veterinarians. It is one of the most difficult parts of the job, as we share the goal of each horse’s connections for the horse to compete safely.

"KHRG will continue to work with our licensees, HISA, HIWU, and our racetracks to promote the safety of the horse, and protect the jockeys, horsemen, and horsewomen. We are constantly evaluating our processes and procedures with the best interests of the horse in mind, and we will continue to engage with stakeholders, including trainers and attending veterinarians. We all want what is best for the horse."

The scratches of both Nycon, an Oaks contender, and Silent Tactic, a Derby contender, were made by their respective trainers, Whit Beckman and Mark Casse.

'The morning of the race, they scratched him'

Scratches have always been a part of horse racing. In fact, it's long been understood if you want to start an argument, ask about the soundness of a horse.

Trainers, who spend the most time with their horses, can scratch a horse for many reasons, including the fact that they don't think the horse is ready. Same for private veterinarians, including things such as an equine illness.

And the same is also true for regulatory veterinarians. But horsemen argue the regulatory vets, who spend the least amount of time with the horse, have to make a high-pressure decision in a small window that can be the determining factor of a horse's career in Kentucky.

"They’re making a judgment call quickly, and the problem is they won’t consider anything our private vet has to say," said one trainer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Once a horse is scratched, it remains ineligible to race until it is cleared off the state vet's list, which trainers said is difficult to do.

McPeek told a story of his horse Favorite Day.

"Here’s the best example: I had a horse last year that a month out from race day, I said to the state vets, 'You ought to come watch this horse train and work because he’s not a good jogger. He’s a really poor jogger. But we’ve X-rayed him. We’ve scanned him. We can’t find anything. And he works like the wind. Every time.

"But I said, ' Come watch this horse.'"

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - APRIL 25: Kenny McPeek, trainer of Right to Party, looks on in the barn area after morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

He said he sent videos. McPeek had Dr. Larry Bramlage, one of the world's leading equine orthopedic surgeons, do X-rays and found nothing, he said.

A week before the race, McPeek said he again invited the regulatory veterinarians to view the horse.

"Because we don't want to get into a position where —" he interrupts himself with the end of the story. "The morning of the race, they scratched him."

We don't like the way he moves, McPeek said the KHRGC vets told him.

"We've been talking for a month about this," he told The Courier Journal. "They never made any effort. Never got to watch the horse train. Never got to know him at all. So what do we do? We just take the horse out of the state. He's been running in Louisiana and running in Arkansas."

Favorite Day won a maiden special weight race at the Fairgrounds in January and finished second in a February allowance race. In his April race, he finished 10th in an allowance optional claiming.

Like humans who run a race, no two horses move exactly the same.

Jamie Eads, the president and CEO of the KHRGC held meetings between the group and horsemen. The first meeting, held at KHRGC offices at the Kentucky Horse Park, was introductory. The second meeting was described as "heated."

The meetings eventually stopped.

"I hate to say it, but they're playing god," a horseman said.

Whitney Ensor kisses her husband Howard Ensor while attending the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Ensor's got engaged at the Kentucky Derby.

Carson Grisham of Dallas, Texas wearing a large fascinator for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

Karen Boler wears a handmade fascinator at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

Rhonda Stover of Delray Beach, Florida was wearing her mother-in-law's hat for the 25th time while she attends the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

Brent Taylor, from Oregon, bought a Racing Form from Annie Napier while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Unique hats and fascinators for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

Unique hats and fascinators for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

Joe Kolok sr and jr, from New York and New Jersey, attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Shazia Manus, right, of Denver puts an arm around Kentuckuian Rhonda Hauser as the two walked around the grandstand area for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

People arrive at the gate while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Kristen Hansen took a selfie while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The Meyers and Warner family’s get their picture taken while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Ozzie bought a Racing Form while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Dan and Karen Skeels got their picture taken while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Gilberto Arpero, from Texas, stopped to take a picture while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Carla Dickenson, left, scrubs stains out of Stephanie Dickenson’s jacket on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. The sisters-in-law had accidentally spilled a starbucks drink before arriving at Churchill Downs.

Fans line up to enter Churchill Downs before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Fans walk through Churchill Downs before races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Lines grow as fans line up to enter Churchill Downs before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Ellen Lance speaks to her husband before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Jeff Ketterman returns to his wife’s side after handing his phone to a bystander for a picture on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. Ketterman usually wears a distinct vintage style, even outside of derby week.

Carrie Cooke Ketterman sports a large hat on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Stephanie Connelly pulls down her heart-shaped sunglasses as she poses for a portrait on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. Stephanie’s glasses are from Krewe.

Dave Quiring sports a horse-themed jacket while holding a drink for a portrait on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

A Kentucky State Police officer talks to other members of the force in the Paddock before races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Tellers Desaray Johnson, left, and Tori Johnson prepare for the wagers that will be placed on horses on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

A fan carries an Oaks Lily cocktail through Churchill Downs on Thurby during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, April 30, 2026. An Oaks Lily cocktail is a signature cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice blend, triple sec, and lime juice.

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

Shayla Hunter walks at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

Julie Thrasher carries a chocolate coverd strawberry at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

Jake Elwood wears designer shoes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

Olivia Wu wears shoes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026. Wu says her outfit was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Whitney Ensor kisses her husband Howard Ensor while attending the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Ensor's got engaged at the Kentucky Derby.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Whitney Ensor kisses her husband Howard Ensor while attending the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Ensor's got engaged at the Kentucky Derby.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Carson Grisham of Dallas, Texas wearing a large fascinator for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Karen Boler wears a handmade fascinator at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Rhonda Stover of Delray Beach, Florida was wearing her mother-in-law's hat for the 25th time while she attends the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Brent Taylor, from Oregon, bought a Racing Form from Annie Napier while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Unique hats and fascinators for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Unique hats and fascinators for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Joe Kolok sr and jr, from New York and New Jersey, attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Shazia Manus, right, of Denver puts an arm around Kentuckuian Rhonda Hauser as the two walked around the grandstand area for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

People arrive at the gate while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Kristen Hansen took a selfie while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

The Meyers and Warner family’s get their picture taken while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Ozzie bought a Racing Form while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Dan and Karen Skeels got their picture taken while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Gilberto Arpero, from Texas, stopped to take a picture while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Carla Dickenson, left, scrubs stains out of Stephanie Dickenson’s jacket on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. The sisters-in-law had accidentally spilled a starbucks drink before arriving at Churchill Downs.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Fans line up to enter Churchill Downs before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Fans walk through Churchill Downs before races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Lines grow as fans line up to enter Churchill Downs before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Ellen Lance speaks to her husband before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Jeff Ketterman returns to his wife’s side after handing his phone to a bystander for a picture on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. Ketterman usually wears a distinct vintage style, even outside of derby week.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Carrie Cooke Ketterman sports a large hat on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Stephanie Connelly pulls down her heart-shaped sunglasses as she poses for a portrait on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. Stephanie’s glasses are from Krewe.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Dave Quiring sports a horse-themed jacket while holding a drink for a portrait on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

A Kentucky State Police officer talks to other members of the force in the Paddock before races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Tellers Desaray Johnson, left, and Tori Johnson prepare for the wagers that will be placed on horses on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

A fan carries an Oaks Lily cocktail through Churchill Downs on Thurby during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, April 30, 2026. An Oaks Lily cocktail is a signature cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice blend, triple sec, and lime juice.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Shayla Hunter walks at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Julie Thrasher carries a chocolate coverd strawberry at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Jake Elwood wears designer shoes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Olivia Wu wears shoes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026. Wu says her outfit was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs

Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026

'Sell them all'

A silence fell in McPeek's office. It was like he and his barn staff almost immediately went into mourning.

Prior to Smith's appearance in his doorway, The Courier Journal had begun an interview with him about regulatory scratches for this story.

"They think they're saving the game," McPeek said. "I’ve got one owner that said, 'I got an idea. Sell them all.' Thirty-five horses. Averaging $3 million a year in yearling purchases. He said ‘To hell with horse racing.’ Done. Bye bye. Bought a boat."

McPeek scoffed: "Saving racing, one scratch at a time."

Stephanie Kuzydym is an enterprise and investigative sports reporter, with a focus on the health and safety of athletes. Reach her at skuzydym@courier-journal.com or@stephkuzy.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby, Oaks 2026 scratches lead to tensions among horsemen