Woodbine

Cough forces Shirl's Speight out of Kentucky Derby

Ron Gierkink|Aug 29, 2020

Shirl's Speight wins the 2020 Marine Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack

Michael Burns Shirl's Speight wins the Marine Stakes at Woodbine. Despite not having any Kentucky Derby qualifying points, he is assured a spot in the starting gate.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Owner Charles Fipke announced on his Twitter account Saturday that his unbeaten 3-year-old colt Shirl’s Speight will miss next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby due to a cough.

“Unfortunately, Shirl’s Speight has come up with a minor cough today and he will not be going to the Kentucky Derby. His health is our number one concern, and we’ll look forward to his next race.”

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2020: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

Shirl’s Speight won his first two starts with authority, both at Woodbine in July, earning his diploma on turf before taking the Grade 3 Marine on the Tapeta.

Trainer Roger Attfield had been working Shirl’s Speight aggressively on the dirt training track at Woodbine, including a mile in 1:39.20 on Aug. 21. The homebred by Speightstown was scheduled to have his final Derby work tomorrow before shipping to Kentucky on Monday.

Shirl’s Speight is expected to be pointed to the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Attfield sent out Alydeed to finish second in the 1992 Preakness.

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