Following Arcangelo’s Retirement, Unexpected Scratches Shake Up Horse Racing World at Breeders Cup 2023

The horse racing realm’s World Championships hosting the best in the industry is within an arm’s length. On the first weekend of November, Santa Anita Park will stand to host the most awaited event of the year; the Breeders’ Cup, relishing the milestone of its 40th edition. However, as the newer entries from across the world are chiming in for the celebrations, the fans have been faced with a continued streak of disappointments.

Trainer Jena Antonucci recently announced that the famed Belmont Stakes equine, Arcangelo will be pulling out of the Breeders’ Cup following an unfortunate accident. The disappointing news was further trailed by a series. The latest update by a known equestrian presented an astonishing list featuring the names of 4 horses. The remark left behind a bitter feeling lingering as the championships approached.

Update erases more names from the Breeders’ Cup

On Wednesday, David Gerling, a known equestrian and Daily Racing Form, shared a post on X stating the names of 4 equines that were ruled out from the upcoming events. “Some new scratches from BC races. Ecoro Neo (Juvenile), Liam?s Journey (Juvenile Turf). Algiers (Dirt Mile). Get Smokin (Turf),” the post read.

Should Ecoro Neo and Liam’s Journey have made their presence at the event, the 2-year-old Colts would have etched a staggering mark on their growing career. Ecoro Neo, the Japanese contender had a memorable 2nd place win at the Hanshin Racecourse in September on his debut. The Hideyuki Mori-trained Colt was to compete in the $2 Million purse, Juvenile (G1) on the 3rd. But due to unannounced reasons, the Colt will be sitting out the supreme race.

Liam’s Journey was not deep into his career when his entry to the Breeders’ Cup was made official. The 2-year-old Colt has run 3 courses 4 months into his career and placed twice in the top 3. The Mike Maker-trained Colt exuded a charming presence in G2 Pilgrim where he finished second; catapulting to his entry $1 Million Juvenile Turf. Though the reason remains unknown, Liam’s Journey has only just started. But while the maidens hold more ahead, the other veterans carry grief with the exit.

Horse Racing veterans slip the list

Algiers, the 6-year-old Gelding has held a position in the horse racing world since 2020 as he dominated the Prix Turenne with his debut. The Simon Crisford-trained Gelding has remained consistent ever since, only to own the season this year. Early this year, Algiers owned both rounds of the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan before heading to Dubai and Durham.

The equine has traveled across the world, covering France, England, and the UAE in his 22 starts career. But once again following up, the reasons for his pull from the list and his plans for the future remain unclear as of now.

Also Read: When, Where, and How to Watch the Breeders? Cup World Championships in the USA

Get Smokin, the 6-year-old is known as the multiple grade stakes winning equine trained by Mark Casse. His most recent win at the Kentucky Downs (G2) $1.7 million FanDuel Turf Cup Stakes, was a solid entry to his growing portfolio; alongside marking a serious contender at $4 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. However, after a minor accident, the gelding’s owners issued a statement regarding the condition.

?Unfortunately, Get Smokin had a very minor setback in his preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and Mark Casse and the owners have made the decision to scratch him. We will let him have a winter break and prepare for a 2024 campaign,? Ironhorse Racing Stable posted on X. Even if the dropped horses leave a void in the contest, the Breeders’ Cup holds more to the show for excitement and the horses more to their growing careers.

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