Blues and Royals to miss Kentucky Derby

Blues and Royals was considered a leading foreign contender for the Kentucky Derby   (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com)

United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-G2) winner BLUES AND ROYALS (Honour and
Glory) will not run in the May 7 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs due to a
“low-grade respiratory condition,” it was announced Monday.

“It is very disappointing for everyone concerned because we were all very
much looking forward to taking Blues and Royals to Churchill Downs,” Godolphin
Racing Manager Simon Crisford said. “He seemed to have the right credentials for
the race, but it is just one of those things. The horse’s welfare has to come
first and it just would not be possible for us to get him ready. It would not be
in his best interests to send him to Kentucky. All immediate plans are on hold.”

In his only start this year, and his first start on dirt, Blues and Royals
won the about nine-furlong UAE Derby on March 26 at Nad al Sheba by a widening
12 lengths. The bay colt, currently second on the list of leading graded stakes
earners, closed at 15-1 in Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Blues and Royals is scheduled to be shipped to Belmont Park later this month
along with a small contingent of other horses trained by Saeed bin Suroor.