Borrego Retired; Will Stand at Wintergreen

Grade I winner Borrego has been retired from racing after undergoing surgery in early April to remove a chip from his right front ankle. The 5-year-old son of El Prado will enter stud next year at Wintergreen Stallion Station near Midway, Ky.

"Preliminary reports said Borrego would be back in training 30 days post surgery, but we were told after the surgery that the recovery time would be lengthier than originally expected," said John Greely IV, who owns the farm with his brother, trainer C. Beau Greely. "Our goal was to start in the Pacific Classic (gr. I at Del Mar in August) and retire after the Breeders' Cup Classic (Powered by Dodge, gr. I, in November at Churchill Downs). With the extended recovery time, we would miss several races leading up to the Breeders' Cup, which would get us there less than 100% fit. In light of this and Borrego's value as a stallion, we have decided to retire him."

Borrego, who won last year's Pacific Classic, captured the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) at Belmont Park in October in his next start for C. Beau Greely, Brad Scott, Jon S. Kelly, Rawleigh Ralls, and Dennis Foster. Borrego was bred by the first three men in partnership with Dr. Sam Bradley. In what would be his final start, Borrego ran unplaced in the Classic.

The Greelys announced earlier this year that Borrego would stand at Wintergreen Stallion Station following his retirement from racing. They increased their share in Borrego by purchasing the interest owned by Jon and Sarah Kelly.

Borrego, who was produced from the Strike the Gold mare Sweet as Honey, retired with five wins from 20 starts and earnings of $2,052,090. He placed in eight stakes, including the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) and Santa Anita (gr. I) Handicaps.

Borrego is expected to arrive at Wintergreen the end of May. A fee will be announced later.