Drefong retired, Breeders' Cup champ to stand at stud in Japan

Drefong, the Eclipse Award-winner who won the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, has retired from racing and will stand at Shadai Stallion Station in Japan, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.

The 4-year-old son of Gio Ponti was trained by Bob Baffert. While lightly raced, he was highly successful, winning six of nine career starts. Three of them were in Grade 1 company: the Breeders’ Cup, along with the 2016 King’s Bishop and 2017 Forego.

“He gave to us and our extended family so much pleasure and leaves us with some wonderful memories,” owners Susan and Charles Chu said. “We thank our trainer Bob Baffert for taking great care of Drefong and making him an outstanding champion.

“With his beautiful looks and natural ability we are sure he will be very well supported in Japan and we will look forward to see his young foals.”

Drefong earned more than $1.5 million after purchased as a yearling for $450,000. Last out, he was among the bevy of favorites to miss the board at the Breeders’ Cup, finishing sixth in his Sprint defense.