Union Rags bids farewell to his racing career and prepares for stud duty
Union Rags has done enough in his short racing career with a grand victory in the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, and now his connections have decided that it is time for him to bid farewell to racing and retire for stud duty.
Trained by Michael R. Matz, the sophomore defeated the Bob Baffert trained, Paynter, over the 1 1/2mile course in 2 minutes and 30.42 seconds to win the Belmont Stakes at the Big Sandy.
The three-year-old was sidelined for the rest of the season, as he sustained an injury in a work-out while training for the Haskell Invitational.
After a small lesion in the middle of the suspensory of his left front leg was detected, the connections thought it was best to discontinue the season.
This decision was made by owner Phyllis Wyeth and, was confirmed by her advisor, Russell Jones, who told the press that:
"She discussed it with Jamie (her husband) and it was all about the risk factor. This was a time to make the tough decision. The horse is very much in the limelight as far as breeders go at this moment, and they felt like it would be a challenge and
a risk to be back in this position next year."
Matz refused to comment on this, as he was only told that retirement was being considered. He was looking forward to Union Rags’s return to the track.
Russell Jones further commented:
"There was a lot of risk involved because if they did not get him back to where he is now, it would be at a significant cost.”
The son of Dixie Union, foaled by Gone West mare Tempo, has a brilliant record, which will increase his appeal in the market.
Over the course of his career, he has competed in 8 starts and has a record of 5-1-1 and earnings of $1,798,800.
This season, the Kentucky bred runner started his season with a victory in the Grade 2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in February, 2012.
He went on to compete in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, where he finished third, and the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, where he finished seventh to winner, I’ll Have Another.
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