Stolis Winner out pending ankle test

Stolis Winner, the richest 2-year-old Quarter Horse in history, will not run in the Grade 1, $1.1 million Texas Classic Futurity at Lone Star Park on Nov. 29 after X-rays revealed a suspicious spot on his right front ankle, trainer Heath Taylor said on Friday.

The horse has been taken to a clinic for further tests, Taylor said, and is expected to return to action next year at Ruidoso Downs, perhaps in time for the summer's Grade 1 Rainbow Derby.

"It's in his best interest to have a little time off," said Taylor. "The horse is training great, doing great, the life of the party, just bucking and squealing. It's disappointing, but we're very thankful for what he accomplished this year."

Stolis Winner has won 8 of 9 starts and $1,791,567 for his breeder and owner, Jerry Windham. His three Grade 1 victories have come in the Heritage Place Futurity, the Rainbow Futurity, and the All American Futurity.

But there is now a stewards' inquiry into the All American Futurity after the New Mexico State Racing Commission cited Stolis Winner for a positive caffeine test following his win in the race Sept. 1. A stewards' hearing is set for Dec. 5.