Champion sprinter
MIDNIGHT LUTE
(Real Quiet), who became the only two-time
winner of the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) with his smashing 1 3/4-length score on
Saturday, has been retired. The five-year-old horse will stand at John Sikura’s
Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms near Lexington, Kentucky.
Winner of the Forego S. (G1) in 2007, Midnight Lute was
named champion sprinter following his commanding 4 3/4-length Sprint victory in
the slop at Monmouth Park. On the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita, Midnight Lute became
the fastest Sprint winner in its 25-year history when completing six furlongs in
1:07.08.
Bred in Kentucky by Tom Evans, Macon Wilmil Equines and Marjac Farms, the
dark bay colt was trained throughout his career by Bob Baffert and compiled an
overall mark of 13-6-3-1 with $2,690,000 in earnings. He also captured the 2006
Perryville S. (G3) and was multiple Grade 1-placed.
Midnight Lute was campaigned by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Weitman
Performances.
“Winning (the Sprint) twice shows what a great horse he really is,” Baffert
said. “He is a freak. He had a hock injury after he won last year, and we
thought we were going to have to retire him.”
Midnight Lute raced only once this season prior to his tour-de-force
performance at Santa Anita.
“I’ve always been bragging on him, but (Saturday) showed what a great horse
he is,” Baffert said. “I’ve never seen a horse like this. He’s the best horse
I’ve ever trained.”