Bob Black Jack retired

Grade 1-winning sprint star

BOB BLACK JACK (Stormy Jack) has been retired

after suffering a soft tissue injury to his right leg, according to HRTV

producer Karen Johnson, who spoke with trainer James Kasparoff Saturday.

The injury was detected after Bob Black Jack worked five furlongs in a bullet

:59 3/5 Friday at Hollywood Park. Regular rider David Flores was aboard for the

move, which ranked as the fastest of 20 at the distance on the Cushion Track.

"It's a huge blow for me," Kasparoff said. "He was the best horse I ever

trained."

Bob Black Jack had recently returned from a 14-month spell on the sidelines

to capture the February 20 San Carlos H. (G2). The dark bay five-year-old

retires with $684,925 in earnings from his 11-5-2-1 line.

At two, Bob Black Jack rolled to a 6 1/4-length victory in the 2007

California Breeders' Champion S., setting a new track record of 1:20.37 for

seven furlongs on Santa Anita's old Cushion Track surface.

In his very next start, he sizzled six furlongs in a track-record 1:06.53

while garnering the 2008 Sunshine Millions Dash at Santa Anita.

Bob Black Jack then joined the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail and tried to stretch

his speed over a route of ground. Third in the San Felipe S. (G2) in his

two-turn debut, he performed very well to finish a close second in the Santa

Anita Derby (G1). Bob Black Jack ventured to Churchill Downs, where he tired to

16th in the Run for the Roses.

Freshened for six months, Bob Black Jack resumed his career as a sprinter by

finishing a close fifth in the Vernon O. Underwood S. (G3). He improved off that

reappearance to win the Malibu S. (G1) convincingly in his sophomore finale.

Unfortunately, Bob Black Jack subsequently sustained an injury and was sidelined

until last month's San Carlos.

Kasparoff said that Bob Black Jack would most likely be sold by his owners,

Tim Kasparoff, the trainer's brother, and Jeff Harmon, for stallion duties.