As it turns out, Drosselmeyer may race again.
WinStar Farm will make a decision on the future of the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner some time next week, the farm reported Nov. 9. The 4-year-old son of Distorted Humor was to be retired to stand in New York in 2012, but a clause in the contract called for flexibility if Drosselmeyer were to win the $5 million Classic.
“All options are open for Drosselmeyer, and we expect to make a decision by some time next week,” said Elliott Walden, WinStar president & CEO. “Our phone has been ringing off the hook since Saturday's big win, including Mike Smith lobbying to keep the horse in training. So we're weighing all of our options and will do what we feel is best for Drosselmeyer and WinStar.”
Now a two-time grade I winner, Drosselmeyer boosted his earnings to $3,728,170 with his Classic triumph, making him the all-time leading earner by Distorted Humor. He became the first horse since A.P. Indy to win the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and Breeders' Cup Classic.
The decision to possibly race Drosselmeyer again is presumably to give him a chance at a year-end Eclipse Award. If he were to win another grade I race, he would throw himself into the mix for champion older male, or perhaps even Horse of the Year.
The Clark Handicap (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 25 would be a likely possibility for Drosselmeyer since he just won the Classic over the Churchill Downs main track.
