Retired Union Rags eternal in horseracing history
The morning of July 21st brought a terrible news to the horseracing lovers, when the connections of Union Rags decided to call it a day. The step was taken after the Belmont Stakes champion sustained a tendon injury in his left front leg.
Union Rags’ veterinarian initially gave some hope, saying that the colt was out of action just for a season, and would return next year. However, after a week of treatment, the medical staff came to an unfortunate conclusion, leaving Union Rags with option,
but to retire.
Trained by Michael Matz, the son of Dixie Union won plenty of major titles during his brief career. He made eight starts, emerging as winner on five occasions. The bay colt was runner-up and third once each.
As a 2-year-old, Union Rags started his journey with three consecutive wins. The American runner was first seen at DelAWare Park in July 2011, when he clinched an easy win in the Maiden Special Weight (Dirt).
After making a winning debut, he travelled to Saratoga, where he opened his account at the graded level. The Grade 2 Three Chimneys Saratoga Special Stakes saw him securing the first rank by seven and a quarter lengths.
Union Rags’ first success at the highest level came at Belmont Park, where he outsmarted Alpha and the rest of the crew in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes. The Chadds Ford Stable-owned wrapped up his 2011 campaign in November, when missing the gold medal only
by a head’s distance in the Grade 1 Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
After a break of more than three months, he made his comeback with a huge bang. The audience at Gulfstream Park saw him bagging the first prize in the Grade 2 Fasig-Tipton Fountain Of Youth Stakes.
Bred by Phyllis M Wyeth, the colt ended up third in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, before showing the worst performance of his career at Churchill Downs in May. He was never able to challenge the likes of I'll Have Another and Bodemeister and as a result, finished
seventh in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands.
An embarrassing outcome would have dented his confidence, but the maverick runner quickly got his act together, and won the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, which eventually proved to be his last appearance. Union Rags is surely one of the best dirt runners of all
time. His absence from the track is a huge setback for the horseracing fraternity.
According to Russell Jones, bloodstock adviser to the colt's owner, Union Rags is "a pretty attractive stallion prospect." Although the talented runner is not available for racing anymore, his name will stay alive in the history.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.Com’s editorial policy.
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