Bodemeister Retired

Bodemeister, G1 Arkansas Derby winner and runner-up to I'll Have Another in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, has been retired, according to a release from Winstar Farm. The 3-year-old son of Empire Maker was training for a return to the races when he suffered an injury to his left shoulder. The injury is not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery, however it does mark the end of an exciting career.

Bodemeister burst onto the scene in February with a stunning maiden victory at Santa Anita. He followed that up with a runner-up finish to Creative Cause in the San Felipe. Bode's next start was his coming out party, the G1 Arkansas Derby. Piloted by jockey Mike Smith, Bodemeister made every call a winning one and set the stage for a tremendous run at Churchill Downs.

Bodemeister once again lead at every call in the Kentucky Derby and looked to be the clear winner until I'll Have Another ran him down in the final furlong. In the Preakness, Bodemeister and I'll Have Another renewed their rivalry in a dramatic stretch drive not soon to be forgotten.