Graded Stakes Winner Imperative Out of Dirt Mile

Multiple graded stakes winner Imperative has been declared out of the Nov. 3 Las Vegas Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) because of a possible pelvic fracture, trainer Bob Hess Jr. said Oct. 28.

The 7-year-old Bernardini  gelding trained over the Del Mar track Saturday, but was off upon returning to the barn.

"He wasn't right today. When he came back he was favoring his left hind, and it looks like he is beginning to get the beginnings of a fracture on his pelvis," Hess said. "It's nothing that is going to take his life or anything, but definitely ill-timed. But something like this could have been a lot worse. At least it's not life-threatening."

Owned by Loooch Racing Stables and Imaginary Stables, Imperative has not raced since he won the April 22 Charles Town Classic Stakes (G2) by a neck over Matt King Coal. That victory ended a long drink between graded stakes wins for the venerable runner. He captured the Charles Town Classic in 2014, when he bested a field that day that included multiple grade 1 winner Game On Dude.

With Imperative soon to turn 8, Hess said it has yet to be determined if his charge will be sent back into training once the apparent fracture has healed.

"I know that yes, he's going to be 8, but I know he'll heal 100%," Hess said. "It's a good question (if he'll come back) and it's something we'll have to ask ourselves. He's been really great to a lot of owners, and I know they will put the horse first."

Imperative captured the Jan. 28 Poseidon Handicap in his seasonal bow and also prevailed in the Big Bear Stakes last November. Bred by Glencrest Farm and Darley, he has six wins from 38 starts and $2,973,135 in earnings.