By Ben Massam
Lord Nelson (Pulpit–African Jade, by Seeking the Gold), the 5-2 morning line second choice for Saturday's GI Twinspires Breeders Cup Sprint will be scratched from the race due to an infection in his right front foreleg, Spendthrift Farm General Manager Ned Toffey confirmed at Santa Anita Thursday morning. Toffey, walking back to the barn area with farm owner B. Wayne Hughes, said that trainer Bob Baffert discovered the cut earlier in the week and the 4-year-old received treatment Wednesday in hopes of a recovery. When the issue did not improve, a decision was made to withdraw.
“Obviously, it's hugely disappointing,” Toffey said. “We thought we were in great shape to win. The good news is that it looks like it's just an infection, and the horse has already established what he is–which is immensely talented. So we're looking forward to bringing him back to Lexington and getting started on a stud career.”
Lord Nelson has won four straight races in Southern California, including the GI Triple Bend S., GI Bing Crosby S. and GI Santa Anita Sprint Championship S, contributing to an overall record of 7-1-1 from 13 starts and earnings of $958,271. Toffey said that Spendthrift will stick to the original plan that called for Lord Nelson to retire following the race and enter stud for a fee of $25,000 in 2017.
“That's the plan right now,” Toffey added. “None of this changes the pedigree or what he is genetically. We're just really excited to bring this horse to stud.”
Spendthrift will be represented by three-time champion Beholder (Henny Hughes) in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff Friday. The celebrated mare is also expected to retire following the race.
“I'm not assuming anything until they're in the starting gate,” Toffey concluded with a laugh.
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