Gronkowski’s long-shot namesake to miss derby

Gronkowski won’t run in the Kentucky Derby because of a slight infection that will keep the England-based colt from travelling to the United States.

New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski recently bought an interest in the animal.

Tom Ludt, who oversees Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ international operations, says the horse spiked a fever last weekend and was treated with antibiotics. The colt is eating normally and responding to treatment, but Ludt says the owners want to put his welfare first.

Ludt said Monday the owners are “beyond disappointed” to miss the May 5 race at Churchill Downs.

The three-year-old colt was undefeated in three races this year, including the Burradon Stakes March 30 in Newcastle, England, which earned him the first European slot in the derby under Churchill Downs’ points system. He is trained by Jeremy Nosada and ridden by Jamie Spencer.

The colt was part of the first group of horses purchased by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, an investment fund formed last year by Dubai businessman Amer Abdulaziz.

Said Gronkowski after he had bought a minority share: “This horse is a winner and I love a winner. When I heard about the racehorse being named after me, I started watching and got really stoked when he started winning. ... Welcome to the Gronk family, Gronkowski the horse!”

However, the horse was seen as a heavy long shot to win the race. He’s never run on dirt with all of his races coming on turf or an allweather surface.

Gronkowski probably has enough disposable income laying around that he’ll be OK if his investment doesn’t pay off (he has said he never touches the money he receives from the US$54-million contract he signed in 2012, instead living off endorsements).