Respiratory problems to keep Blues And Royals out of Derby

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Blues And Royals will miss the Kentucky Derby because of a respiratory condition, a setback for the famed Godolphin stable.

The colt won the UAE Derby by 12 lengths in his only start this year.

Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager, said the low-grade condition will prevent the colt from running May 7 in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

"He seemed to have the right credentials for the race, but it is just one of those things," Crisford said on Godolphin's website Monday. "The horse's welfare has to come first and it just would not be possible for us to get him ready."

Blues And Royals will be shipped to Belmont Park in New York this month, along with a small contingent of other horses from the stable, with plans to run later in the season in the United States.

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