Report: 10-year-old gelding Ward ’n Jerry is being retired

Ward ’n Jerry, a 10-year-old gelding who was made the 2-1 morning-line favorite for a claiming race Tuesday at Golden Gate Fields, was reported to be going into retirement after being scratched by the track veterinarian.

According to a post by Daily Racing Form’s Steve Andersen to the social-media platform X, Ward ’n Jerry “will be sent to a layup farm this week, trainer Steve Specht said at midday on Tuesday.” There were no details about any lameness or injury.

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Ward ’n Jerry’s most recent track activity, according to Equibase, was a 1:02.6 workout covering five furlongs Dec. 16 on the all-weather track at Golden Gate.

Bred and owned by Larry and Marianne Williams, Ward ’n Jerry is a California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit. He earned his biggest win in March 2020 as the 9-5 second choice in the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes on the downhill-turf course at Santa Anita.

He won his last two starts, both claiming races this fall at Golden Gate. As he had been so often in his career, Ward ’n Jerry would have been in for a $10,000 tag had he started the eighth race Tuesday, a one-mile test with a $13,500 purse.

Ward ’n Jerry finished his career with a record of 39: 10-2-6 and earnings of $522,785.