Reddam Racing’s Slow down Andy Coach Doug O’Neill will not be able to attend the 148th Kentucky Derby after falling ill. Horse Racing Nation first reported on the foal’s disqualification from the race, citing a fever.
O’Neill said: “He’s a little sick for us and we’re not at the right moment to get sick. “I guess we won’t make it through, but we’re incredibly grateful for the run he’s put us in. Hopefully many good races ahead.”
Purebred 3-year-old son of Nyquist had 60 qualifying points to claim a place in the Derby and finished in first place in the Sunland Park (G3) Derby on 27 March. The foal, currently based with a division. small pony O’Neill at Keenelandwas 3-1-0 after five games started and had an income of $544,850.
O’Neill said future plans for Slow Down Andy are “in the works” and the main focus is on keeping him healthy.
With Slow Down Andy’s defection, O’Neill’s Derby hope now lies at Calumet Farm’s Jack is happy finished third in the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) April 9.
O’Neill said 3-year-old Oxbow could head to Kentucky as early as next weekend after a practice session at Santa Anita Park.
After his first win in January, the purebred son of Oxbow finished fifth in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) on February 6 and went on to finish third in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) before the Santa Anita Derby.
He has 30 qualifying points, a tally that puts him on top of the bubble to make the race. Derby is limited to 20 people starting with priority given to the horses with the most points.
Another top horse for O’Neill, Hot Rod Charlie , recently returned to training after a break. His most recent start was a runner-up at the Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1).
“He looked fine and we gave him a couple of weeks,” O’Neill said. “We’ve only just started back the hard way and he’s looking phenomenal so we’re excited and pumped for his return. Not really sure where he’ll be back but but we’re pumped to get him back on track and get him going.”
He transported to the Middle East this winter where he won Round 2 of the Al Maktoum Challenge presented by The Longines Record (G2) in February before finishing in second place. Country Grammer at the Dubai World Cup.
The 4-year-old ranked high recently as one of O’Neill’s more notable horses, winning the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) last September and finishing in second place. 4 at Del Mar November 6 at the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) for Roadrunner, Boat Race, Strauss Bros and Gainesway Thoroughbreds owners.
