Great White 'perfect' after gate flip scratches him from Derby

Great White is no worse for the wear.

Trainer John Ennis confirmed that his gray gelding came through Saturday's pre-Derby mishap in fine shape, calling him "perfect" after the late scratch that followed a frightening flip outside the starting gate at Churchill Downs.

The 3-year-old returned by van to Ennis's barn at the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, Ky., on Sunday morning. Jockey Alex Achard, who came off when his mount went over backward, also escaped injury.

Great White had drawn into the Derby as an also-eligible following Silent Tactic's scratch Wednesday. It would have been just the second Derby starter of Ennis's career; Epic Ride, his first, finished 14th in 2024. Achard had never ridden in the race.

Officials scratched the gelding on the spot after he reared, fell and rolled near the outside posts as the field walked toward the gate. Achard regained his footing and made it back to the paddock unaided, with Great White soon following the same path.

The disruption forced the starting crew to back out horses already loaded so the gate could be repacked without Great White's slot. Eventual winner Golden Tempo was among those still waiting outside. The colt's victory made Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner.