First Mission scratched from Preakness over vet concern: ‘It’s unfortunate’

First Mission, one of the early favorites of the Preakness Stakes, has been scratched from the second leg of the Triple Crown following concern over a potential ankle issue, officials said Friday. 

The announcement came just 36 hours ahead of the Preakness after vets at the Pimlico Race Course became concerned about an "unspecified left hind ankle issue," the Maryland Jockey Club said in a press release early Friday morning. 

"There was just a little concern by the 1/ST racing veterinarian team," Godolphin USA bloodstock director Michael Banahan said in a statement provided by the Maryland Jockey ...