Glorious Empire Removed From Pegasus Turf Consideration

Matthew Schera's grade 1 winner Glorious Empire, who was a candidate for the first edition of the $7 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T) at Gulfstream Park, has developed a filling in his ankle and will miss that Jan. 26 race—and may possibly be sidelined until summer.

"He's going in for diagnostics (Jan. 1). He likely does not need surgery, just time off. I'm not 100% sure on where we'll turn him out but he'll stay with (trainer James "Chuck" Lawrence) for the next month at least," Schera said. "It's been a great run. We'll be targeting a summer/fall campaign if all goes well."

Winner of the $1 million Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 25, Glorious Empire was an impressive 2 1/2-length victor in the Dec. 15 Fort Lauderdale Stakes (G2T) on the Gulfstream turf in his most recent start for Lawrence.

With Glorious Empire out of the picture, the probable field for the Pegasus Turf remains small. On Dec. 28, Mike Rogers, president of the racing division and executive board member of The Stronach Group, said there were four commitments for the Jan. 26 race at Gulfstream Park from the connections of Magic Wand, Aerolithe, Catapult, and Bricks and Mortar.

Though Aerolithe is from Japan, Rogers said the Japan Racing Association will not be simulcasting or offering wagering on the Pegasus Turf in the country because of a preference to conduct wagering on existing races.

Glorious Empire, a 7-year-old gelding bred in Ireland, won four of six starts in 2018 with earnings of $767,830 and rates as a contender for the Eclipse Award as outstanding turf male. He finished 13th in the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) after setting the early pace.

Bred by Patrick Grogan, the son of Holy Roman Emperor was claimed by Schera for $62,500 May 7, 2017 at Belmont Park. In a 25-race career that began in England and also has featured starts in Hong Kong and Canada, Glorious Empire owns 10 wins and earnings of $966,227.