Mafaaz won't run in Kentucky Derby

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (AP) -- Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said 3-year-old colt Mafaaz won't run in the Kentucky Derby despite clinching a spot in the field by winning a race in England.

McLaughlin said on Thursday the horse's owner, Sheik Hamdan, decided to keep Mafaaz at Shadwell Farm in Lexington for a week or two, then move him to New York.

Mafaaz moved into McLaughlin's barn this week after finishing a disappointing eighth in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday. He had clinched an automatic Derby berth by winning the Kentucky Derby Challenge at Kempton Park last month.

He was previously trained by John Gosden.

Meanwhile, contenders Pioneerof the Nile and Chocolate Candy arrived at Churchill Downs on Thursday from California.

Pioneerof the Nile won the Santa Anita Derby for trainer Bob Baffert, and Chocolate Candy won the El Camino Real Derby for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Ten possible Derby starters are already on the grounds at Churchill Downs, which expects a full field of 20 for the May 2 race.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.