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Curlin to be retired at the end of 2008
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Curlin received a tour of Saratoga before his score in the Woodward
(Adam Coglianese/NYRA Photographer) |
CURLIN (Smart Strike), the 2007 Horse of the Year, is to be retired at the
end of 2008, according to majority owner Jess Jackson, and will begin stud
duties in 2009. However, the striking chestnut could have one more start this
season if an appropriate race shows up.
"If an appropriate venue and purse are offered, we would consider one more
race in 2008 for Curlin," Jackson said.
According to a press release sent out by Jackson's Stonestreet Farm, they are
considering "offers from stallion stations as well as possibly standing Curlin,"
themselves at Stonestreet near Lexington, Kentucky.
Curlin, a seven-time Grade/Group 1 winner, was last seen running fourth in
the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) on Santa Anita's synthetic Pro-Ride surface. He
won that race as a sophomore last season by 4 1/2 lengths over the sloppy dirt
at Monmouth Park. After this year's Classic, the four-year-old was sent to
trainer Steve Asmussen's barn at Churchill Downs, where he has been in light
training without posting an official workout.
Curlin has racked up 11 total victories, including the Preakness S. (G1),
Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) and Arkansas Derby (G2) as a three-year-old, and the
Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), Stephen Foster H. (G1), Woodward S. (G1) and his
second straight Gold Cup this year. He currently owns a career mark of 16-11-2-2
that also includes a third in last year's Kentucky Derby (G1) and a near miss
head second in the Belmont S. (G1) to champion Rags to Riches, who became just
the third filly in history and the first since 1905 to take the "Test of
the Champion."
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Curlin made history himself when capturing his second Gold Cup on September
27. With the $450,000 winner's check, the colt surpassed Cigar's North American
earnings record to become the richest North American-based Thoroughbred in
history, brandishing a gaudy bankroll of $10,246,800. He increased that total
with his Breeders' Cup fourth, now boasting $10,501,800 in lifetime earnings.
"Curlin has proven himself across two continents with 16 starts, the honor of
2007 Horse of the Year and the greatest North American money-earner in racing
history," Jackson said in the release. "He always gave it his all and has done
everything we have asked of him. I am proud to announce that he will start a new
career in 2009 and contribute his soundness, stamina, durability and athleticism
to the breed. I am looking forward to seeing his foals compete and possibly
exceed his unequaled racing record."
Curling has been trained by Asmussen for every race but his debut, when he
was conditioned by Helen Pitts. Following that race, Curlin was purchased by a
partnership that included Jackson, who subsequently bought out most of his
partners and currently holds an 80 percent interest in Curlin.
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