English Champion Motivator Pulled From Stallion Duty

English champion and classic winner Motivator has been relieved of stallion duty for the rest of the year after slipping in his paddock at The Royal Studs at Sandringham in England, according to the Racing Post.

"It's not serious, but there's no point in pushing him," said syndicate manager John Warren, who added the injury is unrelated to the lameness in Motivator's right hind leg that hindered the son of Montjeu last fall. "By the time he comes back, it'll be mid-June."

Motivator, who was not scheduled for Southern Hemisphere duty, covered 80 of his original book of about 115 mares. Fifty-five are in foal.

Motivator was an English champion after winning last year's Vodafone Epsom Derby (Eng-I). He is out of the Gone West mare Out West.