Dornoch 'Ready' for KY Derby After Receiving Hoof Care

Trainer Danny Gargan says it is all systems go for Dornoch  ahead of the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) after receiving routine work this week at Churchill Downs on a quarter crack in the colt's right front hoof. The 3-year-old son of Good Magic   first developed it last fall.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, a quarter crack is a defect located in the quarter of the hoof between the toe and heel of the horse's foot. The AAEP says quarter cracks originate at the coronary band and extend at an angle toward the ground.

Gargan believes he has the secret to keeping the full brother of 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage   happy and healthy.

"You fly in Ian McKinlay, the world's best," Gargan said of the farrier. "He was here all week; he checked him last week, checked him again the other day."

McKinlay has gained a reputation among horsemen as one of the leading farriers in the United States. Leading up to the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) last fall at Santa Anita Park, McKinlay flew out to work on the feet of the Rick Dutrow Jr.-trained White Abarrio  and added glue-on shoes that carried the gray/roan to victory in America's richest race.

McKinlay, who has also been working on the feet of Derby morning-line favorite Fierceness , was on hand at Churchill Downs May 1 to lace up Dornoch's quarter crack and assure the colt will be at his best come Saturday.

"We always check it right before the race, and we work on it accordingly," Gargan said. "Today, he got it perfect. Now we're ready."

The work done by McKinlay and Gargan has kept Dornoch on track for a chance to make history as the only full sibling of a Derby winner to also win first leg of the Triple Crown. Despite the hoof issue, Dornoch has won three of his last four races, including victories in the 2023 Remsen Stakes (G2) and Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) for owners West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing,  and Pine Racing Stables'. In his last start, he finished fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland April 6.

There is a focus on equine safety at Churchill Downs leading into the Derby after an increased spate of fatal injuries plagued their marquee week last year and pushed the final month of the annual spring meet to Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky. 

Veterinarians are expected to use extra scrutiny when reviewing horses running Derby week at Churchill Downs, but Gargan is not worried that the foot will impact Dornoch's chances at starting or winning.

"The vets love him; he's a beautiful mover," Gargan said. "I've had no problems with the vets. They've jogged both my horses (Gargan also trains Derby-entrant Society Man) up twice. They know about the foot. They've looked at it, they've squeezed on it. They have no problems with it."