No Kentucky Derby for Gronkowski

Highly-rated runner Gronkowski has been ruled out of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs due to illness.

Owners Phoenix Thoroughbreds confirmed the news via social media that Jeremy Noseda's three-year-old colt has been ill and is currently receiving treatment for a fever.

With the feature race on Saturday week, it looks like the big event will come just too soon for Gronkowski, who is unbeaten after four starts and was being tipped for success at Churchill Downs.

A tweet posted by Phoenix Thoroughbreds read: “We very much regret that #Gronkowski will miss the @KentuckyDerby after spiking a fever over the weekend and being treated with antibiotics.

“He can't make the long journey to Louisville but is doing well.”