Report: Curlin will curtail breeding after developing illness

Curlin will stop covering mares this year after developing an illness, Thoroughbred Daily News reported.

The 22-year-old sire, who stands at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, began showing signs of discomfort about 10 days ago, Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa owner John Sikura told TDN on Wednesday.

He was found to have an ulcer outside of his stomach, unusual condition, Sikura said. After taking medication, he returned to covering mares, but his dismount samples "did not look great," according to the report.

Curlin was examined after his most recent mares were not checked in foal, according to the report.

Dr. Dickson Varner, a stallion reproductive expert from Texas A&M, "examined his dismount sample and found it subnormal in motility and the number of live semen," Sikura told TDN. "Based on the science of how the body produces a sperm cell to a viable ejaculate, we thought it was only fair to give the horse a chance to regenerate on his own and not to cover mares, which wouldn't be fair to outside breeders or to syndicate members.”

He said he hopes the two-time Horse of the Year can return to the breeding shed next year.

Curlin stood for $225,000 this year. TDN noted that with Malathaat, Elite Power and Cody's Wish in 2022, he was the first sire to have three winners on a single Breeders' Cup card.