Grade I winner Bob Black Jack, the former world record holder at six furlongs who returned from a 14-month layoff to capture the San Carlos Handicap (gr. II) at Santa Anita Feb. 20, has been retired. He reportedly sustained a soft tissue injury to his right front leg during a workout March 19 at Hollywood Park.
HRTV producer Karen Johnson initially reported the decision to retire the 5-year-old after speaking with trainer James Kasparoff.
“It’s a huge blow for me, Kasparoff said. “He was the best horse I ever trained.”
The injury was detected after Bob Black Jack completed a bullet five-furlong work in :59.60 over Hollywood's Cushion Track with regular rider David Flores aboard. The California-bred son of Stormy Jack was preparing for the $150,000 Potrero Grande Handicap (gr. II) at Santa Anita on April 3.
Bob Black Jack won the 2008 Malibu Stakes (gr. I) in 1:20.20 at seven furlongs at Santa Anita but was later sidelined with a leg injury until his return in last month's San Carlos. He set a world record (since broken) of 1:06.53 for six furlongs in winning the Sunshine Millions Dash at Santa Anita on Jan. 26, 2008.
Kasparoff said Bob Black Jack would most likely be sold by his owners, Tim Kasparoff, brother of the trainer, and Jeff Harmon, for stallion duty.
Bob Black Jack earned $684,925 from five wins, two seconds and one third from 11 starts. Second in the 2008 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), Bob Black Jack went on to finish 16th after setting the pace for a half-mile in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Gary and Marlene Howard and Bruce Dunmore bred the dark bay or brown horse. Bob Black Jack is out of Molly's Prospector, by Native Prospector.
Bob Black Jack
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