Risen Star Magnitude will miss its chances for the Kentucky Derby after being diagnosed with a bone chip in the left ankle. The injury was discovered following his victory in the Risen Star Stakes; Magnitude delivered a surprising performance as a 43-1 longshot, securing a dominant 9 3/4-length victory. His trainer, Steve Asmussen, is now missing out on yet another opportunity to participate in the Triple Crown series.

The injury was addressed surgically on February 19, 2025, ensuring Magnitude receives the necessary medical attention as soon as possible. This is a major blow for Asmussen, who has long sought his first Derby victory. Every year, the series crowns a champion, with contenders competing in the Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.

After missing his chances in 2022 with Epicenter, Asmussen is still on the lookout for his first Derby win. Having saddled over 25 horses in 17 runnings of the Derby, no win has come in his favor. Magnitude’s injury diagnosis came just days after his Risen Star triumph, cutting short what seemed to be a promising path toward Churchill Downs. Before his injury led to his unavoidable absence, Magnitude was sitting at No. 2 in the Kentucky Derby 2025 rankings released this week.

Magnitude, with 55 points, followed Citizen Bull in the standings released on February 17, who leads the table with 60 points. Had it not been for his second-place finish in the Gun Runner, where he scored 5 points, Magnitude would have already secured his spot for the 2025 Derby. With $325,005 in earnings, the injury, occurring just a day later, has cost him a valuable opportunity despite being in a strong position.

On the contrary, Joel Rosario’s help for Asmussen in the last two Kentucky Derby matches has resulted in failed attempts. Joining him in the Derby droughts are owners Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, who own horses under Westerberg, Gandharvi, and Brook Smith, respectively.

Entering this Derby season with another setback, Asmussen’s hopes are now in limbo. Magnitude, originally owned by Ron Winchell’s Winchell Thoroughbreds, will remain under medical care and off the track for now. “If you’re in horse racing, lost races and won races are both over. It’s all about the next one anyway. That’s what I’ve always loved about horse racing. You get paid for what you do on the day. You’re not paid for what you did before. There are no residuals. The opportunity is here for us,” Asmussen said.

Still seeking his first Kentucky Derby win, Winchell and Asmussen won’t be a part of a major partnership this time as Magnitude’s injury rules him out of the Triple Crown. So what now?

Fans are disappointed for the Winchell family’s luck when it comes to Kentucky Derby

The Derby season is a favorite among many, and with Magnitude now sidelined, it has left horse racing fans deeply disappointed. Fans are expressing their sympathy for Steve Asmussen’s continued Derby drought and Ron Winchell’s lost opportunity. Winchell Thoroughbreds, which has amassed $42 million in total earnings, continues its 62-year search for a Kentucky Derby victory, leaving fans disheartened.

Steve Asmussen, who has been trying for several years to claim a Derby victory, now finds himself at another crossroads. Fans sympathize not only with the disappointing news but also with Asmussen’s continued misfortune. “What sad news for fans, connections and above all, Steve,” sighs one fan.

Purchased by Winchell Thoroughbreds for $450,000, netizens acknowledge the family’s long pursuit of a Derby win. “Feel bad for Ron Winchell. The family has been trying to win @KentuckyDerby since Donut King in 1962.” The Winchells campaigned Donut King in 1961-62 as a leading contender for the 1962 Kentucky Derby before an injury sidelined him.

One admirer commented that Magnitude’s injury might have resulted from overtraining, pointing out that sudden spikes in performance can sometimes lead to setbacks. “That’s what happens when a horse magically and unexpectedly runs a race 25 beyer points above what was expected. Something snaps.”

With Magnitude out, some fans have turned their hopes toward the Travers Stakes, one of the oldest stakes races for three-year-olds. “Maybe we can hope for a Travers trip.” While the Winchell family has struggled to make a lasting mark in the Derby, perhaps another prestigious race could offer them redemption.