Ciro, who was produced from the Nijinsky II mare Gioconda, started twice in the first part of 2001, then was given time off because of a torn tendon. He was returned to training, but a later examination revealed continued problems with the injured tendon. He was retired in November with five wins and $701,689 in earnings.
Five-year-old Ciro, a grade I turf winner in the U.S. and a group I winner in France, has been sent to Japan to stand at Yushun Stallion Station. The Kentucky-bred son of Woodman departed for that island nation the end of January and will stand for ¥1.3 million (approximately $9,800). He will remain the property of Richard Santulli and George Prussin's Jayeff B Stables.Ciro, who was produced from the Nijinsky II mare Gioconda. made all 12 of his starts on grass. "Japan was a logical place for him to stand," said Lexington bloodstock agent Reynolds Bell, who represents Jayeff B. Ciro is expected to stand in Japan for two years, "then we'll see what happens," Bell said. Bell also said Southern Hemisphere duty seems unlikely.Ciro, who raced in Europe for Jayeff B in partnership with Sue Magnier and Michael Tabor, won the Grand Criterium (Fr-I) and Prix Lupin (Fr-I) and his two stakes-placings overseas included a third-place finish in the Budweiser Irish Derby (Ire-I). Following his return to North America in mid-2000, Ciro captured the Secretariat Stakes (gr. IT) and Lawrence Realization Handicap (gr. IIIT) in his first two starts. He then ran sixth in the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) to close out the year.
