Jess Jackson, majority owner of reigning Horse of the Year Curlin, announced Nov. 15 that the all-time leading North American money earner will retire to stud and stand in Kentucky in 2009.
Jackson’s announcement said the son of Smart Strike could race one more time this year before entering stud. “If an appropriate venue and purse are offered, we would consider one more race in 2008 for Curlin,” Jackson said in a prepared statement.
Where the colt will stand at stud has not been determined, with the announcement stating, “Stonestreet Farms will consider offers from stallion stations as well as possibly standing Curlin itself.”
“Curlin has proven himself across two continents with 16 starts, the honor of 2007 Horse of the Year and the greatest North American money-earner in racing history,” said Jackson. “He always gave it his all and has done everything we have asked of him. I am proud to announce that he will start a new career in 2009 and contribute his soundness, stamina, durability and athleticism to the breed. I am looking forward to seeing his foals compete and possibly exceed his unequaled racing record.”
Trained by Steve Asmussen for Jackson and Midnight Cry Stable, Curlin has won 11 of 16 starts and earned $10,246,800. In an attempt to win his second consecutive Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), Curlin finished fourth to Raven's Pass at Santa Anita in October.
