Giacomo sidelined; to stand at Adena Springs upon retirement

Giacomo could return to the races in 2006 (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com)

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner GIACOMO (Holy Bull) has a bone chip in his left

front ankle and will undergo surgery next week at Hollywood Park. Trainer John

Shirreffs said the injury was discovered when the colt was X-rayed on Wednesday.

He said the injury is relatively minor, but that the colt will probably be

sidelined for the remainder of the year. Shirreffs is optimistic that Giacomo

will be able to race as a four-year-old.

In addition, Frank Stronach has purchased a majority interest in the breeding

rights of Giacomo, who will stand at Stronach's Adena Springs Kentucky near

Midway upon his retirement. Financial terms of the deal between Stronach and

Giacomo's owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, were not disclosed.

After winning the Derby by a half-length at odds of 50-1, Giacomo finished

third, beaten 9 3/4 lengths by AFLEET ALEX (Northern Afleet) in the Preakness S.

(G3). The gray colt returned in the Belmont S. (G1), and after taking the lead

briefly near the quarter-pole, faded to seventh. Jockey Mike Smith said Giacomo

was making noises and may have displaced his palate in the Belmont.

Prior to the Triple Crown, Giacomo finished fourth in the Santa Anita Derby

(G1), second in the San Felipe S. (G2), and third in the Sham S. He closed out

his two-year-old campaign with a runner-up effort to eventual champion DECLAN'S

MOON (Malibu Moon) in the Hollywood Futurity (G1). The Moss homebred has two wins,

two seconds and three thirds from 10 starts and earnings of $1,966,316.

Giacomo is out of the multiple stakes winner Set Them Free (Stop the Music).

He is a half-brother to Grade 2-placed Sea Jewel (Sea Hero).