Arcangelo scheduled for surgery to repair fracture

Arcangelo, who was scratched from last week's Breeders' Cup Classic and retired, has been diagnosed with a short lateral condylar fracture and is scheduled to undergo surgery.

“We expect a quick recovery and return to normal activities for Arcangelo," Bill Farish of Lane's End Farm, where the son of Arrogate arrived this week, said in a release issued Thursday. "We do not anticipate this having any impact on his 2024 breeding season."

Arcangelo missed several days of training in the lead-up to the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita due to an issue with his left hind foot. Trainer Jena Antonucci pulled the colt's shoe, and though the foot began to show some improvement, on Oct. 31, she said that time had run out to make the race, and that Arcangelo would be scratched. Owner Jon Ebbert then confirmed the colt would be retired to Lane’s End, which had acquired his stallion rights.

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Radiographs performed as further diagnostics after the scratch revealed the fracture to the left hind. Renowned veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage consulted on the case, and surgical repair was recommended to expedite the healing process and ensure the colt’s long-term soundness.

Despite missing the Breeders’ Cup, Arcangelo remains a leading contender for the Eclipse Award as the year’s outstanding 3-year-old male, with his dual Grade 1 victories in the Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes. Lane’s End announced this week that he will stand for an advertised fee of $35,000 in his introductory season.

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