“Raced Far Too Young”: Days After Horrifying Injury, Kentucky Derby Runner-Up Horse Retires Leaving Fans in Saddening State

In the world of equestrian sports, there are moments when even the most promising horses face circumstances that lead them to bid farewell to the racing arena. Such is the case for Two Phil’s, a remarkable three-year-old prodigy who captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts.

Two Phil’s boasts an impressive record with multiple stakes wins to his name, including the 2023 Ohio Derby, the 2023 Jeff Ruby, the 2022 Street Sense, and the 2022 Shakopee Juvenile Stakes. Notably, he secured the runner-up position at the prestigious Kentucky Derby on May 6, showcasing his exceptional talent. Despite everything he achieved, he has to bid farewell to the equestrian world due to an injury.

Two Phil’s Equestrian Career and the Injury

Two Phil’s meteoric rise in the racing world is evident from his numerous triumphs on various tracks, including Canterbury Park, Fair Grounds, Colonial Downs, Churchill Downs, Thistledown, and more. With a string of victories and two graded wins to his credit, he was regarded as a prominent member of the 2023 class of three-year-olds. His remarkable performance at the Kentucky Derby showcased his undeniable potential, earning him admiration and respect from racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Two Phil’s unfortunate retirement is due to an ankle injury sustained during the GIII Ohio Derby on June 24. Trainer Larry Rivelli and the owners, in consultation with equine veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage, made the difficult decision to retire the promising young horse. The news of Two Phil’s retirement reverberated across social media, with the Facebook page of Daily Racing Farm sharing the announcement: “Two Phil’s, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby… has been retired from racing.” This news has left fans heartbroken, prompting them to express their heartfelt messages and concerns for the talented horse.

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Fans’ Reactions and Farewell Messages

The retirement news of Two Phil’s hit struck a chord with fans, who flooded social media platforms with their emotional responses. Commenting on Daily Racing Farm’s Facebook post, fans shared their appreciation for the horse’s exceptional talent and expressed their disappointment over his early retirement.

One fan highlighted his overlooked brilliance in races and stated, “He’s a gem and most overlooked in most races. Congratulations on his retirement and thanks for the wps at the Derby,”, while another expressed concern for his well-being, hoping he would be treated with care and not be subjected to undesirable outcomes, “Raced far too young. I hope they do take care of him and he’s not sent for slaughter.” There were plenty of comments like, “I was really excited about him. The race he ran in the derby showed his talent. It’s a shame, but health is priority”, and “He ran an awesome race in both the Kentucky and Ohio Derby’s!”

The comments section overflowed with sentiments of admiration, emphasizing the horse’s tremendous potential and the loss felt by fans due to his retirement. The story of Two Phil’s, the Kentucky Derby runner-up horse, coming to an abrupt end due to an ankle injury, has left racing enthusiasts saddened by the premature retirement of this talented three-year-old.

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