Kingsbarns is retired due to a strained ligament in his left front leg

Kingsbarns, the talented 4-year-old colt who recently won the Grade 1 Stephen Foster, has been retired from racing due to a strained ligament in his left front leg. This injury was discovered after a recent workout, prompting his connections to decide to retire him and transition him to a stud career starting in 2025 at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Ned Toffey, the general manager at Spendthrift, expressed disappointment over the situation, explaining that the team had high hopes for Kingsbarns' performance in upcoming races, particularly the Breeders' Cup Classic. Kingsbarns had showcased exceptional ability, achieving a 100 Beyer speed figure and a 4 on the Ragozin Sheets in his impressive Stephen Foster victory, where he triumphed by 2 1/2 lengths.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Kingsbarns had a strong racing career, with a record of three wins from four starts this year, including victories in the Ben Ali (G3) and a seven-furlong allowance race, as well as a noteworthy performance as a 3-year-old, where he began his career with three consecutive wins including a stunning gate-to-wire victory in the Louisiana Derby (G2).

With lifetime earnings of $1,559,060, Kingsbarns ranks among the top sons of Uncle Mo at stud, sitting behind only Nyquist and Golden Pal. He was purchased for $800,000 as a 2-year-old after impressing with the fastest quarter-mile time at the Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream sale. Kingsbarns is out of Lady Tapit, a Grade 3-placed mare and a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Gozzip Girl.

Pletcher commended Kingsbarns' talent and pleasant demeanour, noting the horse will be missed in the barn. Further announcements regarding Kingsbarns' availability for inspection and his introductory stud fee will be made in due course.