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Denis of Cork retired

Denis of Cork won half of his starts (Joseph DiOrio/Horsephotos.com)

Dual classic-placed DENIS OF CORK (Harlan's Holiday) has been retired, trainer David Carroll said Thursday afternoon.

Sidelined since his runner-up effort in the 2008 Belmont S. (G1), the Mr. and Mrs. William Warren colorbearer had returned to the worktab in November, but sustained another setback earlier this month that prompted his retirement.

"Denis of Cork is currently out of training, and plans are being made for the next stage of his career," Carroll said. "He suffered a soft tissue injury to his right front foreleg, and it has not responded to treatment."

The bay captured his first three career starts, graduating from a Churchill Downs maiden win to a Fair Grounds allowance score and then on to a convincing 2 1/4-length tally in the Southwest S. (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

After an uncharacteristic fifth in the Illinois Derby (G2), Denis of Cork came back with solid performances in the Triple Crown. He rallied from dead last in a 20-horse field to garner third in the 2008 Kentucky Derby (G1), and again closed for runner-up honors in the Belmont in what turned out to be his final start.

Denis of Cork's sophomore campaign was halted by the start of a hairline fracture in his left hind ankle. He was rested at an Ocala, Florida, farm with a view toward a comeback in 2009, but the colt then came down with an injury to his right front suspensory.

Once recovered from that injury, Denis of Cork rejoined Carroll's barn at Churchill last fall. He resumed galloping and was ready for his first breeze on November 9, strolling three furlongs in :38. After three more works beneath the Twin Spires, he shipped to Carroll's winter quarters at Fair Grounds and breezed regularly throughout December. His last recorded work was on January 4, when he traveled five furlongs in 1:01 4/5.

Denis of Cork compiled a mark of 6-3-1-1, $613,252.


 


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