Grade 1 winner El Deal Retired
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Photo: Coglianese Photos
El Deal took the July 29 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga by eight lengths in his most recent victory
El Deal, winner of the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) at Saratoga Race Course in July, has been retired from racing, owners Al and Michelle Crawford announced Nov. 17.
Trained by Jorge Navarro, El Deal most recently finished second in the Sept. 30 Vosburgh Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. The 5-year-old son of Munnings was under consideration for a start in the TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar but bypassed that outing after Navarro said in October the bay horse "isn't training the way that we think (he) should be to compete at this level."
"We had a great ride with El Deal," owner Michelle Crawford said in a release. "Taking on, and beating the best sprinters of his generation in such dramatic style at Saratoga was a testament to his sheer brilliance and the thrill of a lifetime for us. We've had a few farms looking into his availability as a stallion and he has certainly earned that opportunity."
Bred by Martha Buckner, El Deal won nine of 17 career starts and retires with $575,025 in earnings. His eight-length win in the Vanderbilt represented his first try against top-level company.
El Deal is out of the Out of Place mare Spirit of Wailea.
"We have not finalized any plans as of yet, but I am weighing all options for his future," Crawford said. "In the meantime, immediate plans include shipping him to Hidden Brook Farm near Paris, Ky., for that team to field additional inquiries and potential stud opportunities."