NEWS
Monba retired with leg injury
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009 4:18 PM
MONBA
PhotosByZ.com/Keeneland
Grade 1 winner Monba has been retired after suffering an injury to his left hind leg.
Trained by Todd Pletcher for a partnership that included Starlight Stable, Donald Lucarelli, and Paul Saylor, the four-year-old Maria’s Mon colt won the 2008 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland Race Course before finishing last in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) to close out his three-year-old season.
Monba was winless in four starts this year with a third-place finish behind Parading in the Ben Ali Stakes (G3) on April 19 at Keeneland. He made his turf debut in the final start of his career, finishing fifth of 11 in the Dixie Stakes (G2) on May 16 at Pimlico Race Course.
Stud plans have not been finalized.
“It was a great thrill to watch Monba run,” said Jack Wolf, managing partner of Starlight Stable. “From the time we bought him, we knew he was special. We are presently beginning the process of finding the right farm for Monba to achieve more success in his next career as a stallion.”
Monba won three of ten career starts and earned $669,034 during three seasons. Bred in Kentucky by Mill Ridge Farm and Jamm Ltd., he was purchased by the partnership for $200,000 at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of selected yearlings.
