Champion and Classic winner Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) has sustained a right foreleg injury and has been retired. The news was reported by Idol Horse on Friday. The bay was due to defend his title in the G1 Arima Kinen on Sunday before beginning his stallion career next year at Shadai Stallion Station.
Raced by Kieffers Co., Ltd., the 5-year-old entire was an undefeated champion at two in three starts with victories in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes and in the Listed Ivy Stakes. At three, the Northern Farm-bred was second in the G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen and third in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) prior to landing the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). After a fruitless trip to ParisLongchamp for two starts to end his sophomore year, he claimed the G2 Kyoto Kinen at four, and later that year added the Arima Kinen on Christmas Eve.
This term, Do Deuce traveled to the UAE without finding the winner's circle for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, but redeemed himself in his final two starts–victories in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and in the G1 Japan Cup in October and November, respectively. He retires with a mark of 16-8-1-1 and $12,554,242 in earnings.
“Any other accident could have happened to him, we decided to scratch from the Arima Kinen,” Tomomichi told Netkeiba of his charge, who was the fan favourite in the Arima Kinen. “I apologize to all the fans.”
A retirement ceremony for Do Deuce, to be held after the Arima Kinen, was cancelled.
The sixth foal out of GII Gallant Bloom Handicap and GIII Sugar Swirl Stakes heroine Dust And Diamonds (Vindication) who was second in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Do Deuce is a half-brother to multiple graded-placed Much Better (Pioneerof The Nile). His dam sold for $1 million carrying a full-sibling to Much Better to Katsumi Yoshida during the 2016 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.
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