Paddy O’ Prado Retired Due To Foot Injury

Added on May 23, 2011 by Jack Thurman in

Horse Racing

Paddy O’ Prado won the Dixie Stakes at Pimlico during Preakness weekend as expected, but has suffered a career ending injury in the process. Trainer Dale Romans broke the news on Monday, saying that the turf superstar was being retired due to a fractured sesamoid bone in his right front ankle. Although the sudden end to his career is unfortunate not only for his connections but for horse racing fans, the good news is that he’s expected to make a full recovery.

He originally showed signs of an injury after the Dixie on Saturday–he walked to and from the winner’s circle in good order but once he arrived at the test barn he started to show signs of lameness. He was taken by van back to his stall and X-rays taken on Sunday morning didn’t immediately show any significant issue. The assumption at the time was that he’d suffered a foot bruise and flew back to Churchill Downs on Sunday morning.

Further X-rays were taken upon his arrival back in Louisville and at that point the sesamoid injury was discovered. According to Romans, the horse “broke off the top part of his outside sesamoid”. He’ll now be retired to stud and while his racing career is over there are no signs that the injury will cause any more serious problems.

Jerry Crawford, managing partner for the syndicate that owns Paddy O’ Prado released this statement:

“We are very disappointed today to see Paddy’s career end so suddenly. This is what is best for Paddy. He will make a full recovery and embark on the next stage of his career.”

Stud plans have yet to be finalized, but according to Crawford they’ve had plenty of interest. After his three year old campaign his connections considered putting him out to stud immediately, but eventually decided to keep him in training. Crawford says that there are no less than “18 prospective suitors” for Paddy O’ Prado’s stud services.

The Dixie Stakes was the first start for Paddy O’ Prado since his 5th place finish in the 2010 Breeder’s Cup Classic. He also finished third in the Kentucky Derby but was clearly at his best on turf courses.