Triple Crown winner Justify retired from racing

Justify, the undefeated 2018 Triple Crown winner, has been retired from racing, it was announced Wednesday. “Justify had some filling in his ankle, and he is just not responding quick enough for a fall campaign,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “We all wanted to see Justify run again, but ultimately it is my responsibility to make sure he is perfect. Without 60-90 days, I can't be definite.” Campaigned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC, and Starlight Racing, Justify won all six of his career races and accomplished many historical feats en route to racing stardom. Justify ended the "Curse of Apollo" when he won the Kentucky Derby without having raced at age 2, and is one of just two horses to sweep the Triple Crown while undefeated. “He is an incredible horse and we are very disappointed he can't run again,” said WinStar Farm's Kenny Troutt. “All things happen for a reason, and we are blessed to have raced him to be the 13th Triple Crown winner in history.” Justify went on to capture the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico under the foggiest conditions the race has ever seen. He was pressured every step of the way and fended off all challengers for the wire-to-wire victory. "When he won the Preakness, I allowed myself to start dreaming about the Triple Crown,” said Troutt. “When we look back on this, we have been a part of an undefeated Triple Crown Champion, and hopefully a Horse of the Year.” Justify went to New York in pursuit of history in the Belmont Stakes. Sent to the lead by his Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith, Justify never looked back, winning the Belmont by 1 ¾ lengths, becoming the first undefeated Triple Crown winner since Seattle Slew...MORE