Ted Noffey, the champion 2-year-old male of 2025 and a leading Kentucky Derby contender, has been temporarily sidelined due to bone bruising diagnosed after showing discomfort following a recent workout. Owned by Spendthrift Farm and trained by Todd Pletcher, the son of Into Mischief will require about 90 days of rest, ruling him out of the May 2 Kentucky Derby and likely delaying his return to racing until summer. This setback ends hopes of him becoming just the third Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner to capture the Derby, a feat last achieved by Street Sense and Nyquist.

Despite Ted Noffey’s absence, Spendthrift Farm remains competitive with another promising Derby prospect, Further Ado, trained by Brad Cox. Ted Noffey’s injury leaves the Derby picture wide open three months out, impacting key prep races like the Fountain of Youth Stakes and Florida Derby, which had been targeted for his buildup. Spendthrift Farm and trainer Pletcher emphasize prioritizing the colt’s long-term health, with hopes for a strong return later in the year.