Things got very interesting before the Kentucky Derby even started when one of the horses reared and threw its jockey as he was being carried toward the starting gate.
As the starting gate was charging, Great White, ridden by jockey Alex Achard, appeared to be spooked by something, reared and fell backwards.
That caused Achard to fall, with the 1,300-pound horse landing on its back and nearly rolling on top of the rider.
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Fortunately, both Achard and Great White appeared to be fine after the incident, although the horse was immediately scraped and moved away from the gate. The rest of the field was then loaded and the race was uneventful.
Golden Tempo, who entered the race at 30-1, took the win.
Great White was eliminated moments before the start of the Kentucky Derby after throwing his jockey. (© Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Man, what an exciting moment that was before the race even started.
For some reason, I think we forget how big horses are because they're usually cool. But every once in a while you decide, “Well, I'm not going to do this whole racing thing today,” and you angrily quit, but that's not always the case.
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It is always worth noting that Great White was one of the largest horses in the field, so many horses almost fell on their rider.
A general view of the Twin Spiers at Churchill Downs before the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 2, 2026. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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Even if a small horse fell on you it wouldn't be fun, not even one of those mini horses.
Veterinarians will surely give Great White a thorough examination after that, and hopefully Achard will be examined as well, in horse racing's version of the on-field spotlight that NASCAR drivers visit after an accident.
