Journeyman Stud stallion Jackson Bend, a dual grade I winner who was retired from racing in October, will not stand his first season at stud in 2013 after it was determined that he would require more time to recover from a training accident suffered last August.
"After observing him mounting and dismounting test mares this past week, the clinical impression was that it is not in this horse's best interest to breed the 2013 breeding season," said Dr. Philip Matthews, a specialist at Peterson & Smith Equine Reproduction Center in Ocala, Fla., in a release. "There was discomfort during the process, which is likely due to the lingering effect from his back injury suffered in the training incident last summer at Saratoga."
In preparation for his title defense in the 2012 Forego Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga, Jackson Bend was involved in a freak accident during a routine morning gallop at Saratoga's Oklahoma training track when another horse lost control and collided into the side of Jackson Bend, knocking him down. He suffered significant swelling and back soreness, and was believed to have suffered a concussion, although he was never officially diagnosed with any health issues.
It was decided by owners Robert LaPenta and Fred Brei, the breeder of Jackson Bend in the name of his Jacks or Better Farm, that the horse be retired to stud at Journeyman for 2013. His overall recovery had gone well prior to the test breedings.
"I'm disappointed that we will not be able to stand Jackson Bend this year, but we want to do what is best for him for the long haul," said Brent Fernung, owner of Journeyman Stud, in a statement. "I'm looking forward to his continued recovery and fully expect him to be at Journeyman breeding a full book in 2014."
Jackson Bend was scheduled to stand for $5,000.
Six-year-old Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil—Sexy Stockings, by Tabasco Cat) not only won the Forego but also the Carter Handicap (gr. I) and six other stakes. He placed in nine stakes including the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I). He was retired with a record of 9-6-4 from 28 starts and earnings of $1,613,450.
