Kris S. retired with neck injury

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kris S., the 25-year-old sire of champions Soaring Softly and Hollywood Wildcat and four Breeders' Cup winners, has been retired from stud duty at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., because of a neck injury.

"Unfortunately, Kris S. has not responded to treatment for the neck injury he incurred in late February, and it is clear that his stud career must come to an end," Doug Cauthen, president of WinStar, said. "We are trying to keep him comfortable, but going back into service is out of the question."

This year, Kris S. had covered 10 mares, and six of those are in foal, according to the farm.

A son of Roberto, Kris S. was removed from covering duties on Feb. 21 after he began experiencing pain in his neck that Cauthen described then as appearing similar to a pinched nerve. Cauthen also said that Kris S. did not show signs of incoordination, which can be a sign of spinal cord compression.

Cauthen said that Kris S. has undergone treatments ranging from anti-inflammatory injections to acupuncture.

"Initially, he responded well, but he may have aggravated it again," Cauthen said.

Kris S., who sired a trio of seven-figure yearlings at last year's Keeneland September auction, has career progeny earnings totaling more than $47 million from 18 crops to race.