Just over a month after he became the 13th American Triple Crown winner in horse racing history, Justify has been retired because of a problematic ankle. That means Justify, who earned almost $3.8 million in his career, will retire having won all six of his starts after racing 112 days to become the only undefeated Triple Crown champion.
Mike Smith rides Justify in Belmont Stakes
Triple Crown winner, Justify, has been retired because of a problematic ankle and will be sold and put out to stud.
© 2018 by Mike Lizzi
Justify began his Triple Crown run by becoming the first horse since 1882 to win the Kentucky Derby after not racing as a 2-year-old. Wins at the Preakness and Belmont Stakes then made him the second American Triple Crown champion of the last four years and the 13th of all time.
On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, Justify was retired. He had not entered another race after winning the Belmont and joined Count Fleet (1943) as just the second of those 13 Triple Crown winners to retire without running more races.
Justify was retired after developing a swellinging in his left front ankle upon his return to trainer Bob Baffert’s California barn.
The plan as stated by majority owner WinStar Farm had been to have Justify race two or three more times, including the November Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs before being retired. However, the ankle swelling took Justify out of training too long for him to keep fit so he could run another few races and reach the Breeders Cup in top form.
Negotiations are under way to sell the breeding rights to Justify to Coolmore Ashford Stud. The purchase price is thought to be in the $75-million range. It is estimated that Justify will bring around $150,000 for each live foal he sires, with the potential of up to 250 matings a year.