Kentucky Derby contender Danon Bourbon likely out for year with injury

Danon Bourbon, the Japanese colt that took the lead during the 2026 Kentucky Derby before finishing fifth, will likely miss the remainder of the season with an injury.

He suffered a chip to the bone in his knee that was found after the race.

Netkeiba, one of the leading sources of Japanese racing news, first reported the news of the Danox Co.-owned colt. Kate Hunter, who serves as the Asia representative for Churchill Downs, confirmed on X that the injury is a bone chip.

Danon Bourbon, ridden by Atsuya Nishimura, takes the lead in the crowded field of the 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 2, 2026

According to Netkeiba, upon returning to Japan, Danon Bourbon entered a customary quarantine at the Japan Racing Association Horse Racing School in Shiroi, Chiba. He also underwent X-rays which discovered the bone chip.

Now, the 3-year-old will undergo surgery at Shadai Clinic in Hokkaido to remove the bone fragments. The colt will then begin rehab in hopes of returning to racing.

Prior to his Run for the Roses appearance, Danon Bourbon raced three times in Japan, winning all three times.

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.