Jackie's Warrior has knee chip removed; 2022 campaign is in the plans
Jackie’s Warrior, who finished sixth as the 1-2 favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, emerged from the race with a bone chip in his left knee, trainer Steve Asmussen said Wednesday.
Asmussen said Dr. Larry Bramlage of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital removed the chip in a procedure Friday. The horse is currently in Kentucky.
“He is going to do rehab at Becky Maker’s farm in Lexington,” Asmussen said. “We do plan on a 2022 campaign.”
Jackie’s Warrior is a three-time Grade 1 winner for owners Kirk and Judy Robison. The 3-year-old was the Breeders’ Cup Sprint favorite Nov. 6 at Del Mar off a record that included a gutsy win over Life Is Good in the H. Allen Jerkens at Saratoga. One start later, Jackie’s Warrior earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 110 for his victory in the Grade 2 Gallant Bob at Parx.
“He’s an unbelievable, tremendous horse,” Asmussen said. “I thought that the Allen Jerkens against Life Is Good was as good as horse racing gets. Unbelievably fortunate to be involved with him and very anxious to race him next year – because they don’t get any better.”
Jackie’s Warrior is a son of Maclean’s Music who has won 8 of 12 starts for earnings of more than $1.5 million. Of his wins, seven have come in graded stakes. This wins include the Grade 1 Hopeful and Grade 1 Champagne.