Champion New York-bred Dr Ardito retired
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Dr Ardito, the champion New York-bred older dirt male of 2023, has been retired from racing, co-owner Michael Dubb said Friday.
Dr Ardito came out of his fourth-place finish in the Commentator Stakes at Saratoga on June 9 with an issue that required time off. While Dr Ardito, a 6-year-old gelding by Liam’s Map, could have returned to racing, “we didn’t feel he’d return at the same level,” Dubb said.
Dubb, who owned Dr Ardito with Michael Caruso, named the horse for Dubb's close friend and physician, Dr. Anthony Ardito.
“He was a special horse, I didn’t want to see the horse running in a claiming race,” Dubb said. “He’s one of those fun New York-breds you get once in a while.”
Dr Ardito finished second in his debut and then reeled off six consecutive victories from April 18, 2021 to Feb. 20, 2023, the last win coming in the Haynesfield Stakes at Aqueduct. Dr Ardito would add stakes wins in the Evan Shipman at Saratoga and Alex Robb at Aqueduct in 2023.
Dr Ardito, who was trained by Chad Brown, finished his career with a record of 8-2-1 from 17 starts and earnings of $527,993.
Dubb said the horse will be a trail horse with a woman named Jen Knox who resides near the Fair Hill training center.
Dr Ardito, co-owned by Michael Caruso, won 8 of 17 starts and earned $527,993. HIs
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