Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage won’t run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) due to a slight fever, the second top contending pre-entry unable to compete in the richest race in North America.
“Mage had a slight temp & didn’t eat up last night how he normally does,’’ co-owner Ramiro Restrepo posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday morning. “Timing stinks but lucky we caught it early. Can’t run at below 100%; horse comes first.”
A day earlier Haskell (G1) winner Geaux Rocket Ride sustained a condylar fracture in his right front leg during a workout at Santa Anita Park.
The 1 ¼-mile Classic, the centerpiece of the two-day, 14-race Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita, is Nov. 4.
Mage seemed to be training well for the Classic at the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, Ky., following a seventh – and last — place finish in the Travers (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 25.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Anticipation Unfazed by Mage’s Withdrawal
Mage won the Derby at 15-1 odds, then ran third in the Preakness (G1) in May and second in the Haskell in July before his off-day in the Travers over a sloppy track.
“We are sorry to announce that we have canceled Mage’s trip to California,’’ trainer Gustavo Delgado, Sr., posted on X. “He presented a feverish state this morning and we have noticed symptoms of loss of appetite. Given the proximity of the race, we feel that it is best for the horse to skip the classic.
Despite their disappointment, they remain confident in Mage’s ability to recover and have expressed hope that he will continue his racing career as a 4-year-old.
“We were very enthusiastic about the condition that the horse was going through and despite how disappointed we feel right now, we aer confident in a speedy recovery.”
According to Respero, it sure sounds like the chestnut colt will race again as a 4-year-old – if healthy, of course
“Onwards to the Pegasus and his 4YO campaign. Our thoughts to Geaux Rocket Ride, & wish Good Luck to all BC horses,’’ Respero also posted on X.
Upon retirement, Mage will stand at stud at Airdrie Stud in Midway, Ky. Mage has a record of 7-2-2-1 and earnings of $2.5 million.
Racing Enthusiasts Await Breeders’ Cup Classic Spectacle
While Mage’s journey to the Breeders’ Cup Classic may have been cut short this year, the horse’s legacy is far from over. Upon retirement, Mage is set to stand at stud at Airdrie Stud in Midway, Kentucky, where he will contribute to the next generation of racehorses. The disappointment of not seeing him compete in the Breeders’ Cup Classic is tempered by the hope that he will continue to make a significant impact on the world of horse racing as a sire.
As the Breeders’ Cup approaches, the racing world remains on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling event. The unexpected twists and turns, like Mage’s withdrawal, are all part of what makes horse racing so captivating. Even with Mage’s absence, the Breeders’ Cup Classic promises to be a race to remember, with top contenders battling for the title of North America’s richest race. Racing enthusiasts and fans are sending their best wishes to all the horses, hoping for a safe and spectacular event on November 4th.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
