Better Talk Now, winner of the 2004 John Deere Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. IT), has been retired from racing due to an injury sustained in the suspensory ligament of his left hind leg.
According to a statement released by trainer Graham Motion, the injury is believed to have occurred during training for an expected start Oct. 3 in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (gr. IT) at Belmont Park. The injury is not life threatening and will have no impact on Better Talk Now in retirement.
Better Talk Now made 51 starts in his racing career, finishing with 14 wins and 27 in the money finishes, and career earnings of $4,356,664. He started in 41 stakes races, including 24 grade I races. He was bred in Kentucky by Wimborne Farm.
Owner Bushwood Stables had recently announced the 10-year-old gelding, trained by Motion for eight seasons, would be retired at the end of his 2009 racing year.
"Being part of this horse's racing career was one of the most exciting things we and our families have ever enjoyed," said Brent Johnson on behalf of Bushwood Stables. "His talents took us with him around the country and the world and we will never forget those experiences or the people who shared them with us. We are especially grateful to Graham and everyone at Herringswell Stables for the incredible job they did for so many years. We would also like to thank regular rider Ramon Dominguez for his 30 wonderful rides. Better Talk Now has done some things that very few horses ever have, such as racing at the top level of the sport for six consecutive years and winning five grade I races. He either won or placed in a grade I race every year from 2004 through 2009. I hope his accomplishments make the rest of the racing community as proud of him as we are."
In addition to his 2004 Breeders' Cup win, one of five grade I wins for Better Talk Now, by Talkin Man--Bendita, by Baldski, he finished second in the 2006 Turf at Churchill Downs. He also won the 2004 Sword Dancer (gr. IT) at Saratoga Racecourse, 2005 United Nations (gr. IT) at Monmouth Park, 2005 Man o’War (gr. IT) at Belmont Park, and 2007 Manhattan Handicap (gr. IT) at Belmont Park.