Owner Jim Rome tweeted late Monday evening that his star four-year-old Shared
Belief (Candy Ride) was diagnosed with “a non-displaced fracture on the point of
the right hip” after being pulled up in Saturday’s $1.5 million Charles Town
Classic (G2).
Jockey Mike Smith pulled up the heavy favorite after the second of three
turns in the 1 1/8-mile race, feeling something had gone amiss. The gelding was
slow away from the gate and was near the back of the field when Smith made his
decision.
“A heartfelt thank you to Mike Smith for protecting Shared Belief,” Rome
later tweeted. “His quick reaction is a big reason (Shared Belief) is doing as
well as he is right now.”
Veterinarians have recommended stall rest, and Rome said Shared Belief’s
prognosis is “excellent,” although it is uncertain when he could resume
training.
In two earlier starts this season, the 2013 juvenile male champion won the
San Antonio (G2) over reigning Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky
Pulpit), and then took the Santa Anita H. (G1). The Charles Town Classic was
only his second lifetime defeat.
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