Afleet Alex retires due to injuries

PHILADELPHIA -- Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner Afleet Alex was retired Thursday because of new injuries, ending a career in which his gritty ride in the second leg of the Triple Crown was one of the highlights of the racing season.

The injuries were discovered before the horse was shipped to Gulfstream Park this week. An ankle injury has sidelined Afleet Alex since his victory in the Belmont on June 11.

"There was no decision at all," trainer Tim Ritchey told The Associated Press. "Once we saw what he had, it was a no-brainer just for his safety and well being."

Afleet Alex retires with eight wins in 12 starts and earnings of $2,765,800, and nearly became the sport's 12th Triple Crown winner.

He finished third in the Kentucky Derby by a length, won the Preakness after nearly being knocked down by Scrappy T in the turn for home and won the Belmont by seven lengths. Jockey Jeremy Rose was aboard Afleet Alex for all three Triple Crown races.

Ritchey had hoped Afleet Alex would run in the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct on Nov. 26.

"It will heal, but you're looking at six to eight months," Ritchey said. "And with a horse of his value and his credentials, he just needs to be retired and go to stud."

There is no deal pending on where the colt will stand at stud.