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DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) – Justify, winner of the Triple Crown, was pulled out of the competition on Wednesday because of a fluid problem at the left ankle.
Coach Bob Baffert and the Justify owners said that caution about the condition of the horse's ankle made it impossible to tell if he would be healthy enough to run to the # 39; fall.
"He just does not respond quickly enough for an autumn campaign," Baffert said. "We all wanted to see Justify run again, but ultimately it's my responsibility to make sure it's perfect – without 60-90 days, I can not be defined."
The goal was to allow Justify to take part in a big race this summer, probably the Travers Stakes in Saratoga, and to be headed to the Classic Breeders Cup of 5 Million. dollars on November 3rd at Churchill Downs. Instead, he was removed from training earlier this month due to ankle swelling.
Justify coach Bob Baffert said the foal will be shipped to Coolmore Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, in a week from today. "I think we are in denial," said Baffert of California. "I knew it was going to happen a week ago, it's going to be sad not to see him again."
– Tim Wilkin (@tjwilkin) July 25, 2018
"The timing is bad for another start in 2018, and therefore we have to pull it off," said Elliott Walden of WinStar Farm, who co-justify. "Like the American Pharoah (winner of the Triple Crown 2015), we can not take the risk of running with Justify at the age of 4 years. We all wanted him to finish his career in the Breeders' Cup Classic, but this was not meant to be. "
Justify won all six career starts, becoming the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to capture the Kentucky Derby after failing to run at the age of 2. He won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes to become the 13th winner of the Triple Crown and the second in the last four years after the American Pharoah of Baffert.
"There has never been a moment when I have climbed that I had the impression of being beaten," said jockey Mike Smith. "No horse could run with him without sacrificing himself, and no horse could come for him."
In addition to the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Justify won the Santa Anita Derby and retired with career gains of nearly $ 3.8 million.
"It was a great ride for all of us, and I trust Bob does what Justify needs," said Teo Ah Khing of China Horse Club, who is also a co-owner.
On a stallion career after officially retiring today. Past performance for Triple Crown Justify winner. pic.twitter.com/clJDLtiKZf
– Byron King (@DRFByronKing) July 25, 2018
Walden says that it is possible that Justify's rights be sold to Coolmore but adds that this will not be finalized until a later date. Justify is expected to return to WinStar Farm in Kentucky next month.
"Justify has made his career as an extraordinary runner, from the first to the third crown in less than four months, a course as brilliant as that of our sport," said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. "We are looking forward to having his first runners on the track in 2022."
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