First Dude retired

TouchOfGrey · #1 07-25-2011, 11:25 AM

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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.”

RolloTomasi · #2 07-25-2011, 12:07 PM

That's a shame. There was a pretty good difference of opinion about how much better this horse was, with the new running style and more logical campaign, compared to last year.

Would have been nice to see him finish out the year to the settle the debate one way or the other.

His own sire kind of went out the same way after a big win in the Donn following a disappointing 3yo season.

declansharbor · #3 07-25-2011, 12:19 PM

Damn.

Thought this horse might've finally turned the corner.

LARHAGE · #4 07-25-2011, 02:12 PM

LOL, if that was the best horse in the Country we're doomed as race fans! Baffert, per usual, is full of crap, he knows no one is busting down the doors to breed to that.

NTamm1215 · #5 07-25-2011, 02:19 PM

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Originally Posted by LARHAGE

LOL, if that was the best horse in the Country we're doomed as race fans! Baffert, per usual, is full of crap, he knows no one is busting down the doors to breed to that.

Can you tell me how many older horses have won at least two graded, non-restricted races in 2011 at a mile or more?

asudevil · #6 07-25-2011, 02:35 PM

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Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Can you tell me how many older horses have won at least two graded, non-restricted races in 2011 at a mile or more?

Amen! The shame is that we will never know how much better he may have become. Or, in all fairness, if he had peaked to this point. I was at the Gold Cup and this guy looked fantastic in the paddock. Too bad.

Indian Charlie · #7 07-25-2011, 02:46 PM

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Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Can you tell me how many older horses have won at least two graded, non-restricted races in 2011 at a mile or more?

get stormy

Indian Charlie · #8 07-25-2011, 02:48 PM

teaks north.

Indian Charlie · #9 07-25-2011, 02:50 PM

and twirling candy!

NTamm1215 · #10 07-25-2011, 03:02 PM

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Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

and twirling candy!

Wrong.

NTamm1215 · #11 07-25-2011, 03:03 PM

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Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

teaks north.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

get stormy

On the surface you would be correct. But there's more to it.

Indian Charlie · #12 07-25-2011, 03:11 PM

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Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Can you tell me how many older horses have won at least two graded, non-restricted races in 2011 at a mile or more?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

and twirling candy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Wrong.

Oh. Did either the Strub or Californian lose their graded status?

Though I guess if you want to not count the Strub because it's restricted to FOUR year olds, then yeah.

Indian Charlie · #13 07-25-2011, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

On the surface you would be correct. But there's more to it.

Yeah, you didn't state surface, but I knew what you meant.