What Happened to Great White?
Great White is a prominent gray gelding racehorse known for his imposing size and versatility on synthetic tracks. After securing a significant victory in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes in early 2026, his Triple Crown aspirations faced a setback when he was dramatically scratched from the Kentucky Derby due to a gate incident. However, he quickly recovered and, as of May 16, 2026, is entered to compete in the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park.
Quick Answer
Great White is a notable racehorse currently competing in the 2026 Preakness Stakes. The large gray gelding, co-owned by Three Chimneys Farm and trainer John Ennis, gained attention for his wins on synthetic surfaces, including the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes. He was a late scratch from the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2026, after rearing and falling in the starting gate, but was quickly deemed fit to run in the Preakness. As of May 16, 2026, he is set to run in the Preakness Stakes as a 15-1 morning-line longshot.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Foaled in Kentucky
Great White, a gray or roan gelding, was foaled in Kentucky. His sire is Volatile and his dam is Kelly Bag.
Offered at Fasig-Tipton Digital Sale
Great White was offered at the Fasig-Tipton December Digital Selected Sale but did not meet his reserve, with a top bid of $55,000. Trainer John Ennis subsequently partnered with Three Chimneys Farm for ownership.
Maiden Victory at Turfway Park
Great White secured his first career win in a maiden special weight race at Turfway Park, a synthetic track, drawing off to a 2 ¼-length victory.
Fifth in Leonatus Stakes
Making his stakes debut, Great White finished fifth in the Leonatus Stakes at Turfway Park after a troubled start.
Wins John Battaglia Memorial Stakes
Great White won the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway Park by a neck, earning 20 points towards the Kentucky Derby. This was a significant stakes victory on a synthetic surface.
Trainer Expresses Confidence for Dirt Debut
Ahead of his first dirt race, trainer John Ennis stated he was not concerned about Great White's lack of dirt experience, noting the horse moved well on dirt in training.
Fifth in Blue Grass Stakes (G1)
In his first start on a true dirt surface, Great White finished a well-beaten fifth in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland after finding himself on the early lead.
Enters Kentucky Derby Field
Great White moved into the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field as an also-eligible after Silent Tactic scratched due to a bruised foot.
Scratched from Kentucky Derby
Moments before the Kentucky Derby, Great White reared and fell in the starting gate, toppling jockey Alex Achard. Both were unharmed, but the gelding was scratched from the race.
Confirmed for Preakness Stakes Consideration
Trainer John Ennis confirmed that Great White escaped injury from the Derby incident and was a strong possibility to run in the Preakness Stakes.
Draws Post 13 for Preakness
Great White drew post position 13 and was assigned 15-1 morning-line odds for the 151st Preakness Stakes.
Arrives at Laurel Park for Preakness
Great White arrived at Laurel Park in the early morning to begin final preparations for the Preakness Stakes.
Competes in 151st Preakness Stakes
Great White is entered to compete in the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, aiming to become only the eighth gelding to win the race.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Great White, a striking gray gelding, was foaled on May 14, 2023, by sire Volatile out of Kelly Bag, an Uncle Mo mare. Bred by Stud TNT, LLC, he was gelded early in his life, a decision made by his connections due to his immense size, aiming to maintain his soundness and athleticism rather than for temperament issues. This strategic move was seen as crucial for his long-term racing career.
His racing career began with a debut victory on December 12, 2025, at Turfway Park, a synthetic surface. He continued to show promise on synthetic tracks, notably winning the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes on February 21, 2026, which earned him 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. However, his first attempt on a traditional dirt surface in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) on April 4, 2026, at Keeneland, saw him fade to a fifth-place finish after setting the early pace, raising questions about his dirt capabilities.
A significant turning point occurred on May 3, 2026, at the Kentucky Derby. After gaining entry as an also-eligible, Great White, with jockey Alex Achard aboard, reared and fell in the starting gate moments before the race, leading to his dramatic scratch. Both horse and jockey fortunately escaped serious injury. Trainer John Ennis quickly confirmed the gelding's well-being and expressed confidence in his ability to compete in the Preakness Stakes.
Despite the Derby setback, Great White was entered into the 151st Preakness Stakes, scheduled for May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park. He drew post position 13 and was assigned morning-line odds of 15-1. His connections, Three Chimneys Farm and John Ennis, remain hopeful that his resilience and powerful build could make him a dangerous longshot in the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown. As of today, May 16, 2026, Great White is set to compete in the Preakness Stakes.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Great White made different choices?