Action This Day retired

B. Wayne Hughes' ACTION THIS DAY (Kris S.), the 2003 champion two-year-old

colt and winner of that year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile S. (G1), has been retired

from racing following an eighth-place finish in Sunday's San Fernando Breeders'

Cup S. (G2) at Santa Anita. A nagging back injury and the lack of recapturing

his juvenile success were the major reasons cited for his retirement, according

to trainer Richard Mandella.

"The lack of success I had in trying to get him back (to his juvenile form)

was one of the most disappointing things I've ever experienced," Mandella said.

"He was such a good two-year-old. He hurt his back when he returned and

obviously we underestimated the seriousness of it. If we had to do it again I'd

give him six months off, not two (after the Kentucky Derby [G1]), because it might

still twinge him when it runs."

The bay began his career with a second-place finish at Del Mar, and followed

up that effort with a game win to break his maiden. Going into the Breeders' Cup

Juvenile in his next start, the colt was disregarded at odds of 26-1 but

silenced his critics with a remarkable stretch run to win going away by 2 1/4

lengths, beating a strong field that included Grade 1 hero Cuvee,

and Grade 2 winners Minister Eric (Old Trieste), Chapel Royal and Siphonizer (Siphon [Brz]).

Action This Day completed his career with a mark of 9-2-1-0 with earnings of

$822,484. He will stand at Castleton Lyons near Lexington, Kentucky, for a fee

that is yet to be determined.