Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) champion and Tampa Bay Derby (G3) runner-up No More Time is not competing in the Kentucky Derby (G1) because of an injury he sustained during his final breeze at Palm Meadows Training Center on April 14.
No More Time ran five furlongs in 1:01.90 in what was supposed to be his last breeze before going to Churchill Downs later in the week, but after the race, he began to exhibit symptoms of distress.
The three-year-old colt's owner, Rich Mendez, founded Morplay Racing and was there for the work.
"The riders said he was fine in the breeze," Mendez said. "When he was coming off the track was when it happened."
By himself, No More Time managed to return to trainer Jose D'Angelo's stable for additional assessment. It was decided to send No More Time to Ocala, Florida, for surgery after X-rays showed a condylar fracture in the left front leg.
"(It was) sad to see him go through that," Mendez said, "I think he's going to be fine. He's a strong horse, he's all heart."
For the last day, the crew surrounding the Not This Time colt, which was bred in Iowa, has gone through a range of emotions. No More Time qualified for the Kentucky Derby on May 4th, the night before he was injured, when he placed seventh in the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland, the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) winner. No More Time is now ranked last on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.
"(I am) sad for the horse, for my family, and for Jose and his team," Mendez said. "Everyone was excited, it was their first time going to the Derby."
Mendez believes that his stable star was able to qualify for the race, even if he will miss the Run for the Roses.
"He made it," Mendez said. "He gave me and my family some amazing memories. To be able to win a stakes race, to see him and watch him grow from when he was a year old, you get personal with him. You get to see him grow, you get to see him be an annoying teenager. Of course, it becomes personal, you see my grandson emulating him...but it's okay. He'll be back stronger than ever."
Mendez is optimistic that No More Time will resume racing before the year ends and anticipates a full comeback.