Dunkirk retired to Ashford Stud

The royally-bred Dunkirk was a $3.7 million yearling (Adam Coglianese Photo) Belmont S. (G1) runner-up DUNKIRK (Unbridled’s Song) has been retired and will commence his new career as a stallion at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky, Coolmore announced Thursday. The four-year-old’s 2010 stud fee has been set at $10,000. Produced by 2000 Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Mother Goose S. (G1) heroine Secret Status (A.P. Indy), Dunkirk ranked as the highest-priced yearling colt of 2007 when selling to Demi O’Byrne for $3.7 million at Keeneland September. The colt’s owners, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, sent him to trainer Todd Pletcher. Dunkirk was unraced as a juvenile, but quickly catapulted himself into the classic picture by dominating his first two starts at Gulfstream Park. The gray overcame less than ideal trips in each. Slowly away in his debut going seven furlongs, Dunkirk inhaled his foes in the stretch and drew off by 5 3/4 lengths. Stretching out to 1 1/8 miles in an entry-level allowance, he was hung out wide throughout, yet powered home to a 4 3/4-length victory.

On the strength of those efforts, Dunkirk was sent off as the even-money
choice in the Florida Derby (G1), where he rallied for second behind the track
record-setting Quality Road (Elusive Quality). Dunkirk then endured trouble in
the Kentucky Derby (G1), stumbling at the break and later having to steady, and
checked in an uncharacteristic 11th on the sloppy track.

Dunkirk rebounded with a gallant performance in the Belmont. After setting
the early pace, he was passed, but came again to snare runner-up honors. His
effort was all the more admirable when he was found to have suffered a condylar
fracture to his left hind cannon bone during the race. Still, he was beaten all
of 2 3/4 lengths by Summer Bird (Birdstone).

Dunkirk underwent surgery to repair the injury, and hopes were high that he
would recover fully and return to racing at four. Ultimately, however, his
connections determined that “it was wiser to retire him to Ashford,” the
Coolmore release stated.

“It’s a pity Dunkirk had to retire, as we all expected he would have a huge
year on the track in 2010,” Ashford Manager Dermot Ryan said. “On the other
hand, it’s great to be able to stand a horse like him, with his combination of
great ability, fantastic looks and a top-notch pedigree.”

Dunkirk retires with $393,200 in earnings from his 5-2-2-0 line.