Commentator Retired

[Teri111]

Tracy Farmer’s two-time Whitney Handicap (gr. I) winner Commentator has been retired after finishing third in his quest for his third win in the important Saratoga event, trainer Nick Zito announced on the morning of Aug. 9.

“He’s officially retired. We’ll let him go out on a high note,” Zito said a day after Bullsbay upset the Whitney field. “It would have been wonderful for him to win. Physically, there’s nothing wrong with him other than his age. Considering what he has to do to run back in those grade I races, we thought this was the best thing to do.”

Commentator set a brisk pace in the 1 1/8-mile Whitney for jockey John Velazquez before being passed with a furlong to run. The gelded son of Distorted Humor tired to third, beaten by three lengths.

The 8-year-old New York-bred finishes his 24-race career with 14 wins, a second-place finish and four third-place finishes with earnings of $2,049,845. Commentator started his career as a 3-year-old with a five-race winning streak.

NYRA is planning to bring Commentator back on track for one final time before the close of the Saratoga meet to give fans an opportunity to show their appreciation for the amazing gelding. The details have not yet been finalized.

Commentator first made a name for himself in 2005 when he defeated Horse of the Year and Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) champion Saint Liam in the Whitney. Zito believes last year’s Whitney win and the Massachusetts Handicap – a race which he won easily by 14 lengths – also rank as highlights of Commentator’s career.

“When he was on, he was good as any horse in America. I think the Mass ‘Cap, last year, proved that,” Zito said. “You know his record – it’s fantastic. He earned over $2 million the hard way. He’s as gallant as he could be. He’s a real treasure.”

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... -announces

[Risen Star]

Thanks for posting this. A friend of mine was just asking me this morning if Commentator will be retired, and I didn't know.

Best wishes to this grand warrior for a long and happy life in very caring and loving hands.

Thanks for everything, Commentator.

[Teri111]

I sure was rooting for him yesterday. It would have been great for him to retire with that win. But more important is that he is healthy and quite loved. I am sure he will have a great retirement. I will miss him though.

[Masterp]

Yes a great career for Commentator and he should get a nice send off.

I do find it funny that Zito says that he deserves to go out on a high note. Uh Nick, finishing 3rd in a field of 6, I wouldn't classify as a high note. Maybe a healthy note or a class note would have been better. NO big deal, I just found the comment funny.

[Kermit]

Yes a great career for Commentator and he should get a nice send off.

I do find it funny that Zito says that he deserves to go out on a high note. Uh Nick, finishing 3rd in a field of 6, I wouldn't classify as a high note. Maybe a healthy note or a class note would have been better. NO big deal, I just found the comment funny.

As did I. I guess he meant a "black type" finish.

[Kermit]

If anyone REALLY loves Commentator, you are welcome to my 2006 NYRA calendar which has a beautiful pic of him winning his first Whitney.
I'll send the whole calendar. Others include Afleet Alex, Flower Alley, Ghostzapper.

I can't keep all these things!

[Hollywoodmike]

I am glad he did not receive the same fate as Wandering Boy.

[Wilsonvandal]

So long Commentator...a lot of horses saw Commentator's back end from a long way off...miss seeing you on the track!

Wilson

[ScrapingThePaint]

So long Commentator...a lot of horses saw Commentator's back end from a long way off...miss seeing you on the track!

Wilson

Ditto.

I loved watching this guy. I'm glad he is retiring sound and will be well cared for.