Louisiana Derby loses Rogue Romance to foot bruise

Rogue Romance, the third-place finisher in last month’s Risen Star Stakes, has a heel bruise that will keep him out of the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby on March 26, his connections announced on Thursday.

According to trainer Ken McPeek, the injury should not impact Rogue Romance’s ability to make the Kentucky Derby on May 7. Options for his next race now include the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby and the Grade 1, $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes, both April 16.

“This is a minor ailment that will heal with a minimum amount of treatment,” Martin O’Dowd, the general manager of Runnymede Farm, said in a press statement. “We’re thankful it is not a serious setback, just a deviation from our original plans as we act in the horse’s best interest.”

Runnymede bred Rogue Romance. He races in the name of Runnymede patriarch Catesby Clay.