Ennis Plans Fall Return for Great White After Triple Crown Campaign
Trainer John Ennis announced Monday that Great White will receive a well-deserved break before returning to competition in the fall, following his eighth-place finish in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes and his dramatic pre-race scratch from the Kentucky Derby.
The decision centers on the colt’s physical development rather than any behavioral concerns. “We’re going to give him a little time off because he’s so immature and weak still,” Ennis explained. “He’s not even close to reaching his full strength. So we’re going to give him a little time off at the farm and bring him back for the fall.”
The trainer, who co-owns the Volatile gelding with Three Chimneys Farm, expressed optimism about Great White’s future prospects. “I think as a 4-year-old, he’s going to be a lovely big 4-year-old. But he’s going to go out and get some grass, get big and strong, and we’ll get him back in the fall and then hopefully we’ll have a real good horse next year.”
Addressing Derby Incident Misconceptions
Ennis took the opportunity to clarify misconceptions surrounding Great White’s Kentucky Derby scratch, when the colt reared and flipped while approaching the starting gate. The trainer emphatically rejected any suggestion that fear or temperament issues caused the incident.
“He’s not worried about anything. This horse is not scared of anything. Don’t let people tell you he’s scared of anything. This horse is scared of nothing. So the gate is not an issue,” Ennis stated firmly.
The trainer attributed the Derby mishap entirely to handler error, explaining the fundamental principle of managing a rearing horse. “It was 100% the pony rider that knocked him over at Churchill, you know? What’s the first thing you do when a horse rears up? You let go of him. You don’t pull against him. If you want to knock him over, you touch the mouth. You pull against him, they’ll follow.”
Defending His Horse’s Character
Throughout the conversation, Ennis repeatedly emphasized Great White’s excellent temperament, countering any narrative suggesting behavioral problems.
“He just feels good… He’s a very generous, kind horse. He’s not trying to misbehave at all… He’s still immature mentally and physically, but he’s not a bad boy. If they all could be like him, it’d make your life easier. So much easier,” the trainer insisted.
Ennis concluded with a forceful defense of his charge’s mental state: “This horse is not a problem. People get silly and think, oh, he’s a crazy horse. He’s not even close to a crazy horse. I could show you a crazy horse. He’s not even related to a crazy horse.”
The planned break will allow Great White to mature physically and mentally at the farm, with connections targeting a fall campaign that could set up a promising 4-year-old season in 2027.
