- Nadal retired after suffering leg injury
- Immediately sent for surgery, will return as Stallion
- Retires undefeated from four starts
Leg injury sustained in trackwork forces Nadal into early retirement after a training mishap on Thursday.
The leading Colt Nadal was considered one of the red-hot contenders heading into Kentucky Derby – which was slated for September 5 this year.
However, in trackwork on Thursday at Santa Anita, Nadal pulled up lame and was immediately assessed by vets.
Xrays revealed Nadal had suffered a left front lateral condylar fracture and was immediately sent in for surgery at the equine hospital at the Southern California track.
While details remain light, co-owner George Bolton confirmed the news to Bloodhorse.
“It (the injury) requires two screws,” he said.
“He is now going to become a stallion.
“It’s very sad, obviously. I just got the call this morning. It’s a call you never want to get in horse racing.”
Nadal was being aimed towards next months Belmont Stakes.
Alongside Tiz the Law and Charlatan, he was considered a favorite for the coveted Kentucky Derby with 150 qualifying points towards the “The Run for the Roses”.
The three-year-old Son of Balme was also ranked first in the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top 3-Year-Old poll.
He retires unbeaten in his four career appearances.
