Conquest Curlinate retired with sesamoid injury

Conquest Curlinate’s promising career has been cut short by an injury sustained in a Thursday morning training incident (Courtesy of WEG/Michael Burns Photography) Thursday morning’s ill-timed injury that knocked Conquest Curlinate (Curlin) out of Sunday’s Queen’s Plate has turned out to be career-ending, Conquest Stables reported later that night. The Mark Casse trainee would have been one of the leading players in the Canadian classic, having finished second in the Illinois Derby (G3), Peter Pan (G2) and most recently Woodbine’s Plate Trial on June 14. Owners Ernie Semersky and Dory Newell of Conquest Stables took to TwitLonger to offer more information to the promising colt’s fans. Here is the full statement: “I felt you all needed to know what I know on the Conquest Curlinate last second withdrawal from the Queen’s Plate. “I was given an urgent call at 8:15 a.m. on my way to the draw from Mark Casse…”Call asap”…This is rare! I immediately called with the feeling that this was not the ‘You’ve won the Canadian lottery’ type of call. Unfortunately that was correct. Mark said that while galloping this morning Curlinate was somehow interfered with by a horse who apparently veered into him. It required an emergency maneuver for our treasured jumbo jet to avoid a serious incident. Many thanks to our terrific exercise rider for staying cool and avoiding a potentially unthinkable result.

“We had no information that was medically documented at the draw time other
than what Mark said, which was that Conquest Curlinate had incurred a minor
freak training injury that forced us to withdraw him from the Plate competition.

“Later in the morning Dr. Bob examined him again and viewed the X-rays that
were taken, he then consulted with those who we feel are the top people in the
world in their field and to our heartbreaking dismay we learned that this in
fact was a very complicated sesamoid injury, which unfortunately will retire our
young maturing star. I’ve been quite emotional on this issue and how it occurred
but I will save that for a complete post on my thoughts… This for me is a time
for numbing sadness and unfortunately some very deeply felt opinions.

“This is in no way was a fault of Mark, or anyone at Casse Racing. They are
traumatized, as they love the horses as we all do.

“My intent from the start has been to bring transparency to this sport to
make it better… You have all been very, very supportive and have my most
sincere thanks… You are our team and we love you all.

“In time I will thoroughly elaborate on how I think this tragedy could have
easily been avoided. I feel the terrific people at Woodbine are where I will
start my quest. I hope that, as always, you all will send me your feedback on
whether you agree with my assessments. I know I will have an open ear at
Woodbine, they are very progressive with terrific management!

“To repeat, Conquest Curlinate will be retired. We would never ever risk the
chance of this being beyond uncomfortable for him. He is surrounded by love and
we have had a few calls already about him creating some majestic babies. Mark
will make that decision but I’m certain with the immediate interest that he will
have a very pleasant retirement. This is understandably heartbreaking and as I
give all of our fans, who we consider to be part of our team, more info I think
you may also share in my frustration.

“On a positive note, just a reminder… We do have another incredibly gifted
horse entered in the Queen’s Plate… Conquest Boogaloo (Scat Daddy)… who is
Mr. Barker’s pick to win as well as many of our other fans and analysts. Just as
numbers exercise I had one of my PHD Cray operators run through the hard
numbers… Basic rate of change, linear acceleration, furlong speeds, closing
speeds and many other variables… And of all the entrants only one came out on
top. I would not ever sell a Conquest horse short… I don’t gamble but I do
love to perform the best we can for you. Let’s hope Boogaloo busts a few moves
out there Sunday with his ace rider and buddy Alan Garcia.

“Our very best,

Ernie, Dory and Team Conquest.”

Bred by Charles Hayden in Ontario, Conquest Curlinate went to Conquest for
$70,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. The handsome gray broke his maiden
January 31 at Oaklawn in his second start, but two-turn debut. After a third in
an allowance over the same track and 1 1/16-mile trip February 19, Conquest
Curlinate advanced into stakes company and turned in his three consecutive
runner-up efforts. He compiled a record of 6-1-3-1, $188,490.

Conquest Curlinate was produced by Canadian Grade 2 victress Higher World
(Peaks and Valleys), who is also responsible for Grade 3-placed Tapit’s World (Tapit).