?This Is Hard?: Ahead of Breeders? Cup, Horse Racing Legend Pens Heartfelt Note as Arcangelo Faces Unforeseen Injury

The upcoming Breeders’ Cup houses over a hundred horses, the best in the field across the world every year. The event has grown since 1984 to be the ultimate sight of trainers and owners alike. However, as the premium race carries excitement and expectations of horse racing fans with each passing day, disappointments find no trail but to follow along; announcing the scratches and the accidents.

Arcangelo, trained by Jena Antonucci, was one of the favourites contending at the Breeders’ Cup classic. The 3-year-old Colt underwent a minor incident that led the trainer to rule him out of the championships and eventually into retirement. The update on the multiple grade stakes winner’s news proved to be an evident bittersweet to many; including the renowned jockey and equestrian, Javier Castellano.

Jockey pens a note for beloved equine

David Grening, a correspondent at Daily Racing Form, took to X to share the retirement news on Arcangelo on the 31st of October. Following the announcement, Venezuelan jockey Javier reposted the news to add a heartfelt note to the famed equine. He wrote, This is hard but one decision I fully support. Arcangelo is safe and sound and that?s all I can really think about. He has given me so much and I?m so blessed to have been part of the team. Arcangelo, you are always in our hearts and I?m forever grateful!

Trainer Jena Antonucci reported that Arcangelo had faced an issue in his left hind foot but ran out of time trying to resolve the situation. The incident forced the trainer to retire Arcangelo to a stud, focusing primarily on his recovery. Javier Castellano expressed his nod to the decision; prioritizing the safety of the equine he cherished and showcased as they bound during one of the notable stakes wins.

Horse racing icon confronts major decision

Arcangelo, in his 6 start career, has slipped below the top spot just twice through his career. His last 4 consecutive runs were head-turning as he remained undefeated notably at Peter Pan, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes. Jockey Javier was no stranger to the equine. He rode regularly atop Arcangelo and, more specifically, at Belmont Stakes (G1). However, heading into Travers, Javier was posed with a difficult decision and the Kentucky Derby winner, Mage, was also brought into the picture.

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According to the Daily Racing Form, Javier was pressured to choose between the two by Mage’s trainer. Since the decision came as a difficult one, Javier was led to ride Arcangelo as Luis Saez was to take Mage. The combination of the duo proved to be elite as it was at Belmont. Arcangelo and Javier overtook 3-year-old Disarm at Travers to possibly win the equine his last and most treasured race. Reportedly, Arcangelo has retired from horse racing to begin his career anew as a stud at Lane’s End Farm.

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