On June 23rd, reports announced that Invasor retired after a fracture of his sesamoid bone in his pastern, an injury spot from earlier. He had hurt himself in a final workout at Belmont Park, preparing for the Suburban Handicap. His general manager said, "He's done everything we've ever asked of him. This is a huge disappointment for all of us as well as for the racing world." He won 11 of 12 starts, including winning 6 Grade 1 races in his last 6 starts. His only loss was to Discreet Cat who he turned around and beat in the 2007 $6 million Dubai World Cup. His wins in 2006 earned him the awards of Champion Older Male and Eclipse Horse of the Year! He retires in honor with $7.8 million in earnings and will stand at stud at his home at Shadwell Farm in Lexington, beginning in 2008 -- after a Summer, Fall, and Winter of "being horsey!" Just as a reminder, Violet and Invasor share Blushing Groom on their sire side. Blushing Groom is Invasor's grand-sire, to his sire Candy Stripes, and for Violet, Blushing Groom sired Runaway Groom who sired Groomstick! You can read more about him at the following links:
or
or
or
or