Kentucky Derby reservation canceled for Mafaaz by owner Sheik Hamdan
Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin says 3-year-old colt Mafaaz won't run in the Kentucky Derby despite clinching a spot in the field by winning a race in England.
McLaughlin said the horse's owner, Sheik Hamdan, had decided to keep Mafaaz at Shadwell Farm in Lexington for a week or two, then move him to New York.
Mafaaz moved into McLaughlin's barn this week after finishing a disappointing eight in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday. He had clinched an automatic Derby berth by winning the Kentucky Derby Challenge at Kempton Park last month.
He was previously trained by John Gosden.
Copyright 2009 AP News
