Report: Paladin suffers ankle injury, off Triple Crown trail

Paladin suffered an ankle injury Saturday morning and is off the Triple Crown trail, trainer Chad Brown told DRF.

The 3-year-old son of Gun Runner sustained a non-displaced condylar fracture of his right front ankle following a workout at Payson Park timed in 48.8 seconds. The injury was detected after Paladin returned to the barn.

Brown said Paladin will be shipped to Rood and Riddle Hospital in Lexington, Ky., where Dr. Larry Bramlage will perform surgery requiring two screws. The prognosis is good, but the injury will force Paladin to miss all major races this spring and summer, including the Kentucky Derby.

"It's a heartbreaker," Brown told DRF. "Not only the Kentucky Derby but all summer up and through Saratoga, that's what makes it extra disappointing for somebody like me. It's a tough one, but this can be a challenging sport at times and it was one of those days."

Paladin had been pointing to the Grade 1, $1.25 million Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 4. Owned by the Coolmore connections of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook T. Smith and Summer Wind Farm, he was officially unbeaten in three starts. He was elevated to first in a maiden race at Aqueduct in October before posting a two-length victory in the Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct in December and taking the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds by a half-length in February.

Brown also reported that Canalleto, who finished third in the Tampa Bay Derby, will be sidelined until fall with an injury.

Brown still has Emerging Market, winner of the Louisiana Derby, and Iron Honor, winner of the Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct on April 4, as Kentucky Derby contenders.