Normandy Invasion close to training return after lung infection

Normandy Invasion is nearing a return to training after coming out of the Met Mile with a lung infection, according to trainer Larry Jones.

Normandy Invasion finished 10th in the Metropolitan Handicap on June 7. He subsequently was found to have a lung infection. Owner Rick Porter transferred the 4-year-old from trainer Chad Brown to Jones soon after the race. Normandy Invasion now is based at Delaware Park.

“We're waiting for the vet's last checkup,” Jones said. “Once we get the OK, he’ll go back into training.”

Although not yet a stakes winner, Normandy Invasion has shown promise throughout his career. As a 2-year-old, he was beaten a nose by Overanalyze in the Remsen at Aqueduct. Last season, he finished second by three-quarters of a length to the then-undefeated Verrazano in the Wood Memorial. He went on to run fourth in the Kentucky Derby.

Normandy Invasion made two starts this year prior to the Met Mile. He began his season by setting a track record for a mile of 1:33.13 at Gulfstream Park in a first-level optional claimer. He then was second to Palace Malice in the New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds.

Since he has been out of training the past month, Normandy Invasion will need time before he is ready to race again.

“We've missed the major part of his summer campaign,” Jones said. “We'll get him going and try to have him ready for the fall.”