Birdstone fractures ankle, retired
Belmont S. (G1) and Travers S. (G1) hero BIRDSTONE (Grindstone)
has been retired after a scan revealed a fracture in his left
front ankle. Stud plans have not yet been announced, though owner
Marylou Whitney indicated he would be standing in the United
States.
The bay colt finished seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1)
on Saturday and the fracture was discovered after a routine X-ray
was performed by Dr. Joe Migliacci. Birdstone was scheduled to
compete as a four-year-old, with the Whitney H. (G1) as one of
his target races.
The Nick Zito charge, who captured the Champagne S. (G1) as a
juvenile, is best known for foiling the Triple Crown bid of
Smarty Jones with a length victory in the Belmont. He retires
with five wins from nine starts and $1,575,600 in earnings.