Dogwood Stable's Aikenite -- a multiple Grade 2-winning earner of $875,385 -- has been retired after re-injuring an ankle while prepping for his final appearance in Saturday's Grade 3 Ack Ack Stakes at Churchill Downs, according to Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president.
"Following the Breeders' Cup of 2011 we gave him the winter off," Campbell said. "When put back in training, he demonstrated unsoundness in his left ankle and we stopped him -- too late for the breeding season. This summer, veterinarians felt that an early fall campaign was warranted, and he had trained and run well until his final breeze on Sunday."
The five-year-old son of Yes It's True and the Saint Ballado mare Silverlado made only one appearance in 2012, recording a close fourth in the Grade 3 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland on October 5.
At four, Aikenite won the Grade 2 Commonwealth at Keeneland and the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Stakes, both at seven furlongs. During his career, he also placed in the Grade 1 Forego, Grade 1 Hopeful, Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity, Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, Grade 3 Derby Trial and the 2011 Phoenix. He competed in the Breeders' Cup each year from ages two to four.
"Aikenite has been entered in the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and we have had conversations with farms from a variety of locales about his stallion career," Campbell said.
Aikenite was trained during his career by Todd Pletcher. He was purchased by Dogwood at the OBS two-year-old in training sale, after having clocked the sale's fastest work (20:2).
For further information, please contact: Cot Campbell at (803) 642-2972, or Jack Sadler at (803) 642-2972
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