Potente euthanized due to rare ailment

Potente, the winner of the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita in March and 12th-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby in May, was recently euthanized after being diagnosed with a rare spinal cord disorder, femoral nerve hemmorage, and edema.

Potente, a winner of 2 of 5 starts, was fourth in the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 7 in his final start. Potente was in training at Churchill Downs in August when he showed weakness in his hind end while jogging, trainer Bob Baffert told Thoroughbred Daily News this week.

News of Potente’s death was first reported by Thoroughbred Daily News.

Potente was taken to the Hagyard Equine Medical Institution in Kentucky where the diagnosis was made.

By Into Mischief, Potente was purchased for $2.4 million at the 2024 Saratoga yearling sale, the second most expensive hip of the prestigious auction. Potente raced for the Speedway Stable of Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner. Potente, who finished second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in April, earned $286,325.

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