Vyjack, 9, to give racing another try
Multiple graded stakes winner and millionaire Vyjack has returned to training in California.
Vyjack is owned by David Wilkenfeld, racing under his Pick Six Racing moniker, and is trained by Phil D’Amato. Now 9 years old, the gelding last raced when second by a head in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile in August 2017. He continued to train into 2018, but was retired last June when he was initially diagnosed with a mild suspensory strain.
Vyjack returned home to breeders Craig and Carrie Brogden at Machmer Hall in Paris, Ky. At the time, the Brogdens said that after 60 to 90 days of rest and healing, the gelding could transition into a sport horse career. But Vyjack’s attitude during his temporary retirement caused his connections to think he belonged back at the racetrack, and a veterinary examination by Larry Bramlage revealed that he was up to it.
"Dave had a change of heart when I told him that Vyjack was so happy galloping around the field on his three-month break," Craig Brogden said. "He sent him in to [Bramlage] for a full workup. They discovered he had a splint that was bothering him and it was not a suspensory issue. So he went in and had the splint removed and came out in great order. Dave has promised he will never run for a tag."
Vyjack returned to D'Amato's barn, and returned to the work tab on Dec. 17. The gelding has recorded four works, most recently going four furlongs in 47.80 seconds on Jan. 5, the second-fastest of 121 at the distance that busy morning.
Vyjack owns a career mark of 31-8-7-3 with earnings of $1,427,600. After winning the Grade 2 Jerome Stakes, Grade 2 Kelso Stakes, and Grade 3 Gotham Stakes, all on dirt in New York, Vyjack spent the later part of his career on the opposite coast and showed his versatility with a victory in the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile, establishing a course record of 1:31.69 on the Santa Anita turf. He also was multiple Grade 1-placed and was a familiar face on the 2013 Triple Crown trail, finishing 18th in the Kentucky Derby and eighth in the Belmont Stakes.
