December 22, 2024

Shanghai Bobby retired

Last updated: 9/29/13 1:46 PM











Shanghai Bobby captured what would be his final start in the Aljamin

(NYRA/Adam Coglianese Photography)

Shanghai Bobby, last season’s unbeaten two-year-old champion,
has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud
near Versailles, Kentucky.

The dark bay son of Harlan’s Holiday sustained an injury to a suspensory
ligament while making a successful comeback in the September 20 Aljamin Stakes at
Belmont Park.

“It’s very disappointing as he ran really well off
the layoff and we were looking forward to going back to Santa Anita with him for
the Breeders’ Cup Sprint or the Dirt Mile,” trainer Todd Pletcher said.

“He was a really great two-year-old,
undefeated in five starts over five different distances ranging from 4 1/2 furlongs
to 1 1/16 miles. He displayed his brilliant speed in the Hopeful and Champagne
and then showed tremendous courage to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.”

Shanghai Bobby opened his career with a four-length debut win at Aqueduct in
April 2012 and immediately stepped up to face stakes rivals in the Track Barron
next out at Belmont Park. The Kentucky-bred colt scored by a length in that 5
1/2-furlong contest, and proceeded to add the Hopeful and Champagne to his
resume prior to gutting out a head victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in his
two-year-old finale.



“We’re disappointed as we
were looking forward to him returning to top level competition following his win
in the Aljamin Stakes,” stated Jack Wolf, co-managing partner of part owner
Starlight Racing.

Shanghai Bobby suffered his first loss when runner-up in the Holy Bull while
making his sophomore bow on January 26. Pletcher decided to train his pupil up
to the Florida Derby two months later, but the colt finished a subpar fifth.

Soon after Shanghai Bobby was diagnosed with a slight pelvic stress fracture
and didn’t make his return until the Aljamin a couple weeks back.

“This horse has taken us on a great adventure, from his
undefeated two-year-old campaign and Eclipse Award, to his successful return at
three,” Wolf added.
“We are proud to have owned this special horse, and we wish him the best as he
begins his new career at Ashford.”

“While it is unfortunate that
Shanghai Bobby won’t be at Santa Anita again this year, we are delighted that
he’s coming to Ashford,” remarked said Dermot Ryan, manager of Ashford Stud. “Following Lookin
at Lucky, Uncle Mo and Hansen, he is
the fourth straight Eclipse Award-winning juvenile to retire here.”



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