LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Undefeated 2-year-old champion Ted Noffey is officially off the 2026 Kentucky Derby trail after being diagnosed with bone bruising, owner Spendthrift Farm announced Thursday.
The setback comes just a week after Ted Noffey was honored with the Eclipse Award as Champion Two-Year-Old Male, following a perfect 4-for-4 season that included dominant Grade 1 wins in the Hopeful Stakes, Breeders’ Futurity, and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Trainer Todd Pletcher said the colt showed signs of discomfort after a recent half-mile workout at Palm Beach Downs, clocked in :50.81 on Jan. 23. Follow-up scans revealed bruised condyles — an issue that typically requires 90 days of rest and recovery.
“Since his last breeze, he hasn’t been moving as well as he normally does,” Pletcher said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we had him thoroughly examined … we’ll look to resume training around the first of May.”
That timetable rules out a return in time for the May 4 Kentucky Derby, as well as the rest of the Triple Crown. Ted Noffey had been the individual betting favorite in all three Future Wager pools and topped the Derby points leaderboard with 40.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed,” said Spendthrift General Manager Ned Toffey, for whom the colt is humorously named due to a viral typo. “But we’re all in agreement that giving him time off is the right decision. Our priority is his long-term health and career.”
By leading sire Into Mischief, Ted Noffey has earned over $1.6 million in four starts. Spendthrift Farm said it hopes the gray colt can return later this summer or fall.
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