Mucho Macho Man still in light training due to bruised ankles

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Mucho Macho Man, who has not started since his fourth-place finish March 8 in the Santa Anita Handicap, remains in light training at Gulfstream Park after being diagnosed with bruising of the hind ankles, according to trainer Kathy Ritvo.

“We gave him a little break after he got back from California, and he’s never really been out of training all this time,” said Ritvo. “I had him up to a work last month, but he just didn’t seem right to me, so we sent him for some extensive testing, at which time it was discovered he had a little bruising in both hind ankles.”

Ritvo said Mucho Macho Man continues to jog daily at Gulfstream.

“He’s feeling great. He puts on a show out there every morning, but the vets want me to give him another 45 days of just jogging, after which he’ll be re-evaluated,” said Ritvo. “Our first priority is to do what’s best for the horse. If he gets a clean bill of health at the end of July, he’ll resume regular training, with the obvious goal to get him back to Santa Anita in top form to defend his title in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”

Frank Stronach purchased an interest in Mucho Macho Man on Feb. 21 from owners Dean and Patti Reeves. Mucho Macho Man successfully defended his title in Gulfstream’s Sunshine Millions Classic, cruising to a 14-length victory in his only other start this year.

Mucho Macho Man, a 6-year-old son of Macho Uno, has amassed lifetime earnings of $6.625 million.

The Reeves also announced that they plan to unveil a new website, www.MuchoMachoMan.com, an online legacy that will include videos, photos, and news to be released in conjunction with his birthday Sunday.