Magnum Moon Still Recovering at Cornell Ruffian
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
Magnum Moon trains ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Four and a half months after he sustained a career-ending injury during a training session at Belmont Park, Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Magnum Moon is still going through the recovery process at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, according to Jacob West, the bloodstock agent and racing manager for owners Robert and Lawana Low.
In June, West said Magnum Moon sustained a "structural injury" to one of his front legs, and the colt has been housed at Cornell Ruffian, which sits across the street from Belmont, since his injury.
"He's just stable at this point in time," West said. "As I said (in June), we've got a million hurdles to jump, and he's jumping them. He's doing his part, and the vets at Cornell are doing their part. They've been amazing."
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What comes next for the Malibu Moon colt, should he recover fully, is not clear. It's doubtful he'll be ready for the 2019 breeding season, but the target of a stallion career is still a long-term goal.
"Right now, the Lows are just in the mindset of doing what's right for the horse," West said. "We're just getting through the forest first. We don't even know if (breeding him in 2019) is even feasible right now. My gut tells me no."
Magnum Moon entered the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) undefeated in four starts but finished 19th in the Run for the Roses after a brutal trip on a sloppy track. Before the Arkansas Derby, the Todd Pletcher trainee won the Rebel Stakes (G2). He earned $1,177,800 during his racing career.