Sun Sep 16 15:14:16 2007

Comment | Email | Print

Rags to Riches injured; expected to return in 2008

---

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches suffered a hairline fracture in her right front pastern, and will not race again until 2008.

Rags to Riches, the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes since 1905, returned to the track on Saturday after a three-month layoff and finished second in the Gazelle Stakes at Belmont Park. She was apparently injured during the race.

"The injury is not career ending and she is expected to make a full recovery," trainer Todd Pletcher said in a statement. "It appears as though she sustained the injury during the stretch run."

Pletcher added that Rags to Riches will rest for six weeks before being examined to determine her training status for 2008.

Twice during the summer, Rags to Riches developed a fever and missed scheduled workouts.

Rags to Riches had won each of her five starts in 2007 before Saturday's runner-up finish. In addition to the Belmont Stakes, she also captured the Santa Anita Oaks and the Kentucky Oaks.