English Channel, who ran his way into a championship by way of his overwhelming score in the Oct. 27 John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT), has been retired from racing and will enter stud at Hurricane Hall near Lexington. His stud fee will be determined at a later date.
“English Channel is retiring perfectly sound,” said Hurricane Hall president Ben. P. Walden Jr., about the 5-year-old son of Smart Strike. “What a privilege it is to offer breeders absolute soundness and a horse as physically correct as English Channel is. He is a world-class athlete."
Campaigned by James Scatuorchio, English Channel enjoyed a spectacular racing career, highlighted by his 2007 campaign, in which he won three grade I turf stakes. In the Breeders' Cup Turf at Monmouth Park, his seven-length victory was the longest in the race's history. The previous record was 2 1/2 lengths.
Earlier in the year at Monmouth, English Channel won the United Nations Stakes (gr. IT) for the second consecutive year, both times in course record time. He also recorded his second straight triumph in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr. IT).
English Channel won five other stakes during his career, including the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. IT) at Churchill Downs and the Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT) at Colonial Downs. He retired with 13 wins from 23 starts and earnings of $5,319,028 for trainer Todd Pletcher.
“English Channel proved that there is no limit to a horse who has heart and determination,” Scatuorchio said in a statement.
"Mr. Scatuorchio has an option to stay in for 10% interest," Walden said. "We'd love to have him as a partner, but the transaction does not require it."
Bred in Kentucky by Keene Ridge Farm, English Channel is out of unraced Belva, by Theatrical, winner of the 1987 Breeders' Cup Turf.
