Injury ends career of Pioneerof The Nile


Kentucky Derby runner-up Pioneerof The Nile has been retired owing to a leg injury.

The son of Empire Maker won four consecutive graded stakes on the all-weather between December and April, establishing his status as the leading west-coast three-year-old with two Grade 1 wins and two Grade 2 wins.

Among his victories for trainer Bob Baffert were the Hollywood Futurity on his final start as a two-year-old and the Santa Anita Derby before he finished seven lengths behind shock 50-1 winner Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby.

Garrett Gomez rode Pioneerof The Nile in all those races, and also when he finished a dismal 11th of 13 two weeks after Churchill Downs in the Preakness Stakes, since when the colt has been rested.

Trainer Bob Baffert was eyeing a campaign in the second half of the year culminating in the Breeders' Cup Classic for the Zayat Stables colt before a soft-tissue injury to his near-fore ended his career.

"I'm in shock," Baffert said, speaking to the Blood-Horse. "I was getting so excited about that horse.

"Iloved the way he had been training. He was getting stronger with age and was just starting to mature.

"We noticed a little filling in his leg when we took the bandages off and we were hoping he just rapped it," added Baffert.

"He was a very game horse, but he had a lot speed for a horse that could go long. I've had lot of good horses that didn't make it as far as he did, so at least we got a chance to see how talented he was."

Owner-breeder Ahmed Zayat said: "Bob was 100 per cent convinced that he was going to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.

"That was his target right after the Derby. All he wanted to do was keep him happy and healthy until then."

According to the Blood-Horse, no stud plans have yet been announced.

:iiiii: :iiiii: :iiiii: :iiiii:

:iiiii: :iiiii: :llll: :llll:

伊神 :ccc:

ok u win :iiiii: :iiiii: