Arkansas Derby winner Magnum Moon injured in work

Magnum Moon, winner of the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby in April and most recently 19th in the May 5 Kentucky Derby, sustained a career-ending front-leg injury galloping out following a workout Saturday morning at Belmont Park, said Jacob West, racing manager for the colt’s owners, Robert and Lawana Low.

The full extent of his injury, which West characteristized as structural, was still being evaluated Saturday afternoon by veterinarians at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, an equine hospital located close to Belmont Park. West said he could not recall which of the front limbs Magnum Moon injured.

The colt did not fall from the injury and his rider was unhurt, West said.

Magnum Moon, a 3-year-old son of Malibu Moon, won the first four races of his career before losing for the first time in the Derby. The Derby followed an Arkansas Derby in which he drew away to win by four lengths, though he drifted out down the stretch. He had recorded two post-Derby workouts for trainer Todd Pletcher prior to being injured on Saturday.

“They’re fragile animals, that's for sure,” West said. “We were hoping for a big 3-year-old campaign the rest of the year.”