[TouchOfGrey]

First Dude retired

Florida-bred First Dude came out of his Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) victory July 9 with a career-ending injury, Double Diamond Farm announced Monday.

Stud plans for the 4-year-old son of Stephen Got Even—Run Sarah Run, by Smart Strike have not been finalized.

Trainer Bob Baffert related that First Dude had suffered a strain in a tendon. After consulting with Dr. Larry Bramlage, it was determined that a full recovery would require up to eight months on the sidelines.

“I was sick about it,” Baffert said Monday. “He is the best older horse in the country. It’s sad because he was just getting good.

“It’s a devastating blow to us,” he added, ‘because he loves Churchill Downs and we were really excited about the Breeders’ Cup. He is a big, solid and smart horse. He is just beautiful. He is very balanced for a big horse. He was becoming a great horse. He was going to have a huge year.”