Bluegrass Cat, by Storm Cat, bred and owned by WinStar farm, sustained a non-displaced fracture of the right hind pastern while running second to Preakness Stakes winner Bernardini in the Travers. Subsequent to the race, radiographs were taken when it was discovered that Bluegrass Cat was significantly lame in the right hind leg. Surgical options are currently under review by owners Bill Casner and Kenny Troutt. The injury is career ending but not life threatening.
“We are clearly disappointed that Bluegrass Cat’s racing career has come to an end. We are excited however about his extraordinary prospects as a stallion,” said Doug Cauthen, president of WinStar farm. “He was three for three as a two year old with Todd in <a href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=1&k=new%20york" onmouseover="window.status='New York'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">New York</a>, winning two graded stakes races including New York’s juvenile derby prep, the Remsen (G2). He set a stakes record at three, won the $1million Haskell by a record seven lengths, ran second in both the $2 million Derby (G1)and the $1 million Belmont (G1) and placed to the great Bernardini in the $1 million Travers. With his pedigree, race record and exceptional conformation, Bluegrass Cat is a commercial breeder’s dream.”
“This horse was just coming into his own. Bluegrass Cat was bringing his game to a whole new level coming off his performance in the Haskell. It is quite disappointing that his career has come to an end. He was a very special horse,” said trainer Todd Pletcher.
Bluegrass Cat was bred to be a racehorse and bred to be a sire. He is by Storm Cat out of a Grade 1 producing A.P. Indy mare who is out of a Graded Stakes winning / multiple graded stakes producing daughter of Mr. Prospector, herself of a Grade 1 winner and Champion producing of Northern Dancer.
It has not yet been determined when the horse will ship back to WinStar.
It happened during the race- ok everybody?!