Hill ’n’ Dale Farms announced on Monday that Arabian Knight, the Grade 1-winning son of Uncle Mo, has been retired from racing. The standout colt, who earned over $1.5 million in his career, will now begin his new role as a stallion at the prestigious Central Kentucky farm.
Arabian Knight gained attention early on when he topped the 2022 OBS April 2-year-old sale, fetching $2.3 million. He quickly lived up to the hype with a dominant 7 1/4-length victory in a maiden race on Breeders’ Cup day at Keeneland. His final time of 1:21.98 over seven furlongs compared impressively to that of multiple Eclipse champion sprinter Goodnight Olive, who ran the same distance in 1:21.61 later that day in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.
Legendary trainer Bob Baffert and jockey John Velazquez were immediately struck by Arabian Knight’s raw talent, with Baffert likening him to his sire, Uncle Mo. In only his second start, Arabian Knight confirmed his potential with a resounding win in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn, cruising home by 5 1/2 lengths.
Arabian Knight’s crowning achievement came in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar, where he became the first horse to win the prestigious race with only three prior starts. His victory in the 1 1/4-mile event solidified his reputation as a top-tier performer.
Unfortunately, Arabian Knight’s career was cut short following a fourth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic and a similar result in this year’s San Diego Handicap (G2). Trainer Bob Baffert expressed his concerns about pushing the colt further, recalling the tragic situation with Arrogate and prioritising Arabian Knight’s well-being over continued competition.
“He’s just not back to where I had him last year," Baffert said. "We need more time, which we don’t have. I just don’t want another Arrogate situation on my hands. This is an exceptionally talented horse.”
Hill 'n' Dale owner John Sikura shared his excitement about standing Arabian Knight, highlighting his extraordinary conformation, natural speed, and star quality, noting: "He has the 'it' factor we all look for."
Arabian Knight retires with a record of 6: 3-0-1 and earnings of $1,562,275. As a Grade 1-winning son of Uncle Mo with a combination of brilliance and pedigree, he now embarks on a promising career at stud.