Royal Ship to Rest Following Bramlage Checkup

Royal Ship , one of California's top older dirt route horses, will not race for the remainder of the year after running seventh in the Aug. 21 TVG Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar and exiting the race with minor physical issues, co-owner Fox Hill Farms tweeted.

This spring, Royal Ship won the Californian Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella and owners Fox Hill Farms and Siena Farm. He then ran a close second in the May 31 Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita before a third in the July 17 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar, his start preceding the Pacific Classic. Formerly based in Brazil, where he scored at the group 1 level, the 5-year-old son of Midshipman   now has a record of six wins from 15 starts and earnings of $293,805.

When a horse runs unexpectedly poorly, look for the cause. Royal Ship was sent to KY for a couple months off and a thorough check by Bramlage. We’ll look forward to his return next year. pic.twitter.com/ivvEPZAw8p

— Fox Hill Farm (@Fox_Hill_Farm) September 1, 2021

"When a horse runs unexpectedly poorly, look for the cause," Fox Hill Farms tweeted Sept. 1. "Royal Ship was sent to KY for a couple months off and a thorough check by (Dr. Larry) Bramlage. We'll look forward to his return next year."

Accompanying the Fox Hill Farms tweet were radiographs taken of Royal Ship's legs and the evaluation from the Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital surgeon. He gave the horse a favorable prognosis for recovery after 60 days off to recover from inflammation in his hind suspensory ligaments and from cannon bones that showed early bone bruising.