Country House, the promoted winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby, has been retired from racing, per a statement from co-owner Guinness McFadden’s Blackwood Stables released on Friday evening.
The statement read as follows:
“On June 27, Country House was sent to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for a routine lameness examination, to be followed up by turn out. Country House was examined by Dr. Larry Bramlage and was diagnosed with proximal suspensory ligament desmitis on both front fetlocks. Country House experienced complications and was re-admitted to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital on July 1, where he was treated for a right front lower leg infection.
“Over the course of the next two weeks, the team at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital got the infection under control, but as a result of his non-weight bearing right front foot, he developed laminitis in his left front foot. He was released on July 15 and returned to Blackwood for stall rest. Over the coming months, Dr. Scott Morrison was able to stabilize the foot and make Country House more comfortable. He is currently on turn out and we anticipate that he will make a full recovery, but because of the laminitis and the subsequent steps taken to save his life, he will never race again.
“Over the past seven months, our primary focus has solely been on Country House and his health. With the Derby right around the corner and his health much improved, we felt it was an appropriate time to make this announcement. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this difficult time.”
Country House retired with two wins in seven career starts for earnings of $2,120,175. He broke his maiden in his third career start, then finished second in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes, fourth in the G2 Louisiana Derby, and third in the G1 Arkansas Derby,
He left the gate in the Kentucky Derby at odds of 65-1, the second-longest price on the board. After finishing a surprising second, he was promoted to the winner’s position after Maximum Security, who crossed the wire first, was disqualified to 17th after interfering with multiple horses at the top of the Churchill Downs stretch. It would be the final start for Country House, who was withdrawn from contention for the Preakness Stakes due to a virus.
Country House was trained by Bill Mott for the ownership group of Maury Shields – the widow of the horse’s breeder, J.V. Shields – Guinness McFadden, and LNJ Foxwoods.
Stud plans have yet to be announced for the 4-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky.
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