Denis of Cork out for the year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Denis of Cork, the third-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby and the runner-up in the Belmont Stakes, is out for the rest of the year after incurring a minor injury in his left hind ankle.

Trainer David Carroll said Denis of Cork began showing signs of distress in behind about three days after posting an easy half-mile breeze on June 30 at his home base, Churchill Downs. The eventual diagnosis was the start of a hairline fracture in the ankle, said Carroll. No surgery will be required.

Denis of Cork, owned by William K. Warren Jr., has earned $613,252 from six starts. Carroll said the colt will be hand-walked around the barn here at Churchill for 30 days before being re-evaluated. While Carroll takes a small string of horses to Saratoga this summer, Denis of Cork will remain behind.

Its disappointing, but hell come back 110 percent and have time to mature, said Carroll. Hopefully well come back with a great horse next year.

Denis of Cork was being pointed to the Jim Dandy, Travers, and Breeders Cup Classic.