Ward 'n Jerry, San Luis Rey Stakes winner, retired

ARCADIA, Calif. - The veteran turf distance runner Ward ‘n Jerry was recently retired after a six-year career that included a victory in the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita in March 2020 and seven other races.

Ward ‘n Jerry, a 9-year-old gelding, had his final start at Del Mar last summer, finishing third in a turf race at 1 3/8 miles in which he was eligible to be claimed for $62,500. Ward ‘n Jerry had two workouts at Santa Anita in December before owners Larry and Marianne Williams and trainer Mike Puype decided on retirement.

“Something came up that is minor,” Puype said Sunday. “With his age, it’s the most responsible thing to do.

“They’ll find him a good home. He’ll make a great riding horse.”

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Ward ‘n Jerry made 30 starts and earned $486,303. He began his career in 2015. Ward ‘n Jerry won twice in 2021 in starter allowance races at 1 1/4 miles and 1 1/2 miles on turf.

Ward ‘n Jerry was in outstanding form in the first half of 2020, winning the San Luis Rey Stakes at 1 1/2 miles and finishing third in the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes at about 1 3/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita.

*** The Puype-trained Canoodling scored an upset win in Saturday’s Grade 3 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf. Ridden by New Mexico-based jockey Roimes Chirinos, Canoodling led throughout, paid $47.40, and won by a half-length over 8-5 favorite Warren’s Showtime.

Owned by B4 Farms, Canoodling won two minor stakes on dirt in New Mexico last year when trained by Todd Fincher. Puype said Canoodling may run on turf or dirt in her next races.

Chirinos, 39, won his first graded stakes in the Megahertz.

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