Pacific
Classic candidate First Dude came out of his victory in the Hollywood Gold Cup
on July 9 with a career-ending injury and Double Diamond Farm announced the
Florida-bred, 4-year-old son of Stephen Got Even’s retirement on Monday.
Trainer
Bob Baffert related that First Dude had suffered a tear in a tendon. After
consulting with racetrack veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage in Kentucky, it was
determined that a full recovery would require up to eight months on the
sidelines.
“I
was sick about it,” Baffert said Monday. “He is the best older horse in the
country. It’s sad because he was just getting good.” Baffert said Wednesday at
his Del Mar office that stud plans for First Dude were still to be determined.