In an Unexpected Twist, Arcangelo?s Equestrian Owner Announces Abrupt Retirement Just Before Breeders? Cup 2023

With just a few days remaining, the equestrian community is brimming with anticipation as the champions of champions prepare to dazzle the world. This year, we are honored to witness the return of Javier Castellano, the unparalleled star of Breeders’ Cup history, boasting a remarkable 28 Breeders’ Cup race victories. All 15 eligible countries are primed to showcase their remarkable talents. The wait is finally over!

Among the noteworthy top contenders are Mage and Adhamo in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, as well as Adare Manor and Echo Zulu in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff till now. While predicting the winners is a formidable task, these horses possess an impressive track record and are formidable contenders in their respective races. However, one of the standout champions, Arcangelo, who holds the number one post ranking, has sadly announced his retirement.

Unexpected retirement shakes the equestrian world

Arcangelo, the talented three-year-old American Thoroughbred racehorse, celebrated victory in the 2023 Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes. Guided by the skilled hands of Jena Antonucci and ridden by the remarkable Javier Castellano, Arcangelo had captured the hearts of many. However, the equestrian community was recently stunned when Dravid Grenning shared the heart-wrenching news on X, captioning it as follows: “Owner Jon Ebbert confirms that Arcangelo will be retired, and he will stand at Lane’s End in 2024.”

Regrettably, Arcangelo, the impressive Belmont Stakes and Travers victor, will not be participating in the highly anticipated $6 million Breeders? Cup Classic this Saturday. Trainer Jena Antonucci revealed that an issue with his left hind foot has necessitated his withdrawal from the race. This news has cast a shadow of disappointment over the eagerly awaited event, leaving fans and the equestrian community in a state of solemn reflection.

Unseen potential

In horse racing, the price tag at auction doesn’t always show the true potential of a horse. Such is the case with Arcangelo, who proved it by winning the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 10. Arcangelo was not highly regarded during the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale due to his smaller stature. However, Owner Jon Ebbert saw promise in the yearling and acquired him for $35,000.

Read more: ?Honestly Thought That This Was True?: Equestrian Once Cleared Misconceptions on Strength of Different Colored Horses

Arcangelo comes from a family of really good racehorses. His sire, Arrogate, won big races four times. His dam, Modeling, has relatives who are champions. Even though Arcangelo wasn’t seen as a great horse when he was young, his family tree showed he could be special. And he proved that by winning the Belmont Stakes. This shows that having a great family history in horse racing can make a big difference, even if a horse doesn’t look amazing when they’re young. It’s like having a famous family in sports ? it can mean you have a better chance to succeed. Arcangelo’s story reminds us that incredible horses can start from humble beginnings.

Watch This Story ??Top 10 Moments of Olympic Sporting Spirit