MGISW Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief–Violet Wave, by Violence), whose strong resume made him the leading miler on dirt in North America, is likely to be retired from racing after being diagnosed with a suspensory injury to his left foreleg according to his co-owner Craig Dado. The news was first reported by the Daily Racing Form's Steve Andersen on Saturday evening. The 4-year-old is campaigned by Dado's Great Friends Racing and Yuesheng Zhang. According to trainer Doug O'Neill Sunday, the injury occurred after the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Mile at Saratoga June 7.
“He came out of the Met Mile in great shape,” O'Neill said. “And then just in the last few weeks at Santa Anita, we discovered it. It's very subtle. He's going to require a little time.”
Raging Torrent's record included seven wins across 14 starts and his earnings topped $1.1-million.
Leaving a sliver of room for a possible return, O'Neill told the Del Mar media team Sunday, “[The injury is] nothing major so we're in discussions of his future. It looks like he's going to be retired, but he's sound and he looks great. We're just playing it by ear.”
During his 3-year-old campaign the bay won the Maxfield Overnight Stakes at Churchill Downs in late June and then captured the GII Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar in late August.
Though the colt finished seventh in the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint at the seaside oval in early November, he earned his first top level score in the GI Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Dec. 26. O'Neill opted to send his charge to the G2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup Night in early April, and Raging Torrent did not disappoint with a trip to the winner's enclosure at Meydan.
The capstone to his racing career came in the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Mile Handicap at Saratoga June 7 when Raging Torrent won by 2 1/2 lengths over heavy favorite Fierceness (City of Light).
Bred by Rodney J. Winkler & Alfonso Mazzetti, the first foal for Violent Wave was purchased by Mark Davis for $75,000 at the 2023 OBS Spring Sale. Out of an extended female family which includes GSW The Nth Degree (Distorted Humor), Raging Torrent was handed a half-brother by Up to the Mark in mid-March.
Raging Torrent matured into a pure competitor. He just wanted to beat you. We look forward to his second career.
Antonio Romero, his exercise rider, and Andres Martinez, his groom, accompanied him to every dance. They are the epitome of horsemen. https://t.co/8AN6TZG3MW pic.twitter.com/euxDFJeTCF
— Doug O'Neill (@DougONeill1) July 20, 2025
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