Denis of Cork retired

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.