Another hoof problem puts Quality Road’s status in doubt

NEW YORK (AP) -- Quality Road has another hoof problem that could knock him out of the Kentucky Derby.

Considered one of the top Derby contenders, Quality Road developed a quarter crack on the inside of his right front hoof -- a few days after the same injury to the right hind hoof was declared healed by hoof specialist Ian McKinley.

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said he first noticed the latest quarter crack Thursday after Quality Road returned from a gallop at Belmont Park. The trainer tried to remain optimistic that his Florida Derby winner would still be able to run for the roses at Churchill Downs on May 2.

"He wasn't sore or anything," Jerkens said today. He hoped McKinley would be able to "lace" up the split hoof and apply an acrylic patch to the area later today so Quality Road could put in a final workout either Sunday or Monday before being shipped to Louisville on Tuesday.

If the injury creates a setback in Quality Road's training schedule it seems doubtful the colt would run in the Derby.

A quarter crack appears in the wall of the hoof, often starting where the hoof meets the hair.

After examining the latest crack, McKinley said "it's a straight crack, with no infection.

"I really don't think it is as serious as the other one," he said, but added: "You have to remember we are dealing with a living organism and it has a mind of its own. There is only so much we can do, and then we hope for the best."

Quality Road has won three of four starts, including a 1¾-length victory in the Florida Derby on March 28 over Dunkirk, also a top Derby contender.

Quality Road, I Want Revenge and Pioneer of the Nile are considered the early Derby favorites.

McKinley treated last year's Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown when the colt developed a quarter crack in the weeks leading up to the Belmont Stakes.