Former Triple Crown contender Lani retired to stud in Japan

Lani, known for bringing more personality than purpose to the 2016 Triple Crown trail, has been retired, it was announced this week, following a string of 11 straight defeats by the globetrotting colt.

As displayed during his time in the United States, the gray or roan son of Tapit should take well to his next career at Arrow Stud on the Japanese island Hokkaido.

Off a win in the Group 2 UAE Derby at the Meydan Racecourse, Lani shipped to Churchill Downs last year and ran ninth in the Derby. Often cantankerous or aroused during morning training, the headstrong horse also ran fifth in the Preakness Stakes and third in the Belmont, his final domestic run.

While Kentucky-bred, Lani was the first Japanese horse to race in all three Triple Crown legs.

From there, Lani hit the board once more while racing in Japan and once more at Meydan in the Al Maktoum Challenge.

Among other stallions at Arrow Stud is Sinister Minister, winner of the 2006 Blue Grass Stakes and a Kentucky Derby runner as well.