LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby lost its third starter in as many days when International Star, the Louisiana Derby winner, was scratched on Saturday morning, about nine hours before the race was scheduled to run. The horse had an issue with his left front hoof, according to Ken Ramsey, International Star’s owner.
International Star had been viewed as a contender after he swept all three of his starts as a 3-year-old, with all of those coming at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, for earnings of $810,000. His closing style appeared to fit well in a Kentucky Derby field that features several horses with high early cruising speed.