Stallion Texas Chrome might return to racing

Texas Chrome might resume racing.

Owner Danny Keene said he is debating a comeback with the millionaire and multiple graded stakes winner, who was retired last fall and bred to about 25 mares this year in Arkansas while standing his first season at stud.

Texas Chrome, 5, has been galloping at Keene’s farm and training center in Hot Springs, Ark. He was retired last October with a hairline fracture in a knee. A few months prior, Texas Chrome became just the second Texas-bred to hit $1 million in earnings when he captured the Assault Stakes at Lone Star Park.

“We might want to do a little gig later in the year,” Keene said. “I’ve had him checked out, and he checked out super good. I’m kind of mixed on it back and forth. He feels so good. I think he might have a little left in the tank.”

Keene said he believes Texas Chrome is about 60 days from a race. It’s a timeline that could put him on pace for the $175,000 Governor’s Cup on Sept. 30 at Remington Park, where at 3 the horse won the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby.

“Whether he runs or not, he loves galloping at the farm,” Keene said. “It’s part of his exercise routine.”

Keene said Texas Chrome will stand stud again next year in Arkansas at a new stallion barn being built just for him. It is located on a separate property from the farm and training center and is about 30 days from completion, said Keene. Texas Chrome is the best horse Keene has raced, and last month he picked up his second straight Texas-bred Horse of the Year title from the Texas Thoroughbred Association.

“I couldn’t believe he handled the breeding season like he did,” Keene said. “He was a real gentleman, a perfect horse to stand for stud.

“I can’t wait to see a bunch of little Chromies running around.”