El Sysco Kid euthanized

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - El Sysco Kid, a 2-year-old colt who finished second in the Grade 3 Three Chimneys Juvenile on the May 3 Kentucky Derby undercard, his only career start, was euthanized Tuesday after suffering from severe complications from colitis.

El Sysco Kid, by Sea of Secrets, was bred and raised by his trainer, Ernie Retamoza, who also owned 70 percent of the colt. Retamoza said El Sysco Kid was being treated for a low-grade temperature when the colt suddenly came down with colitis Sunday. Efforts to save the colt's life failed.

"This cuts the heart right out of you," said Retamoza, who has a small stable at the Trackside training center. "I thought this colt was going to take me to the show."

Retamoza said he had the colt insured for about $500,000, an amount he said he turned down for the colt after the flashy showing on Derby Day.