Englishman Retires from Racing to Stand at Lane's End Due to Ankle Flakes
A Champion's Farewell: From Track Triumph to Stud Farm Legacy
A New Chapter: Englishman's Retirement and Stud Career Announcement
The distinguished racehorse, Englishman, a recipient of multiple Grade 1 accolades, has officially retired from competitive racing and is set to begin his stud career at Lane's End in 2027. His initial breeding fee will be $50,000, under the Live Foal Stand and Nurse (LFSN) terms. This significant decision was reached after a comprehensive veterinary examination conducted at the close of the racing season identified bone fragments, commonly known as 'flakes,' in both of his ankles. These fragments have since been successfully removed, and the horse is expected to be available for inspection by early December.
Unforgettable Victories: Reliving Englishman's Dominant Performances
During his racing tenure, Englishman captivated audiences with his exceptional talent. A memorable highlight was his commanding performance at the Belmont racing festival, where he triumphed in the Woody Stephens (G1) at Saratoga. He dominated the race with a 5 3/4-length victory, recording an impressive 115 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form, and matching the 1978 track record for seven furlongs with a time of 1:20.40. This Grade 1 success was swiftly followed by another stellar win in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1), where he secured a 3 3/4-length lead, almost breaking his own track record and achieving a remarkable 117 Beyer, the highest for any 3-year-old in 2026.
A Career of Consistency: From Maiden to Millionaire
Throughout his career, Englishman consistently delivered top-tier results, never finishing worse than second. Under the expert training of Cherie DeVaux, he made a spectacular debut as a 2-year-old at Churchill Downs last September, winning by an impressive 7 1/4 lengths. His 3-year-old debut was equally strong, with a 7 1/2-length victory at Fair Grounds. In his graded-stakes debut, the Pat Day Mile (G2), he achieved a commendable second place behind Crude Velocity, whom he later outran in the Woody Stephens. His final race saw him secure a valiant second in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, concluding his career with total earnings of $1,134,500.
Trainer's Perspective: Cherie DeVaux on Englishman's Remarkable Speed
Trainer Cherie DeVaux expressed profound admiration for Englishman, stating, "Englishman is the fastest horse I've ever had the privilege to work with. Witnessing him in full stride was always a breathtaking experience. I sensed his extraordinary potential early in his training, but his maiden win confirmed that his capabilities were boundless. This unparalleled talent was vividly demonstrated in his Woody Stephens victory, and his subsequent win in the H. Allen Jerkens held a special significance for multiple reasons."
Pedigree and Promise: Englishman's Breeding and Future at Stud
Bred in Kentucky by Fifth Avenue Bloodstock, Englishman was acquired at the Keeneland 2024 September Yearling Sale for $400,000. He is a progeny of the promising young stallion Maxfield and out of the winning mare In It for the Gold, by Speightstown. His lineage also boasts his second dam, All Due Respect, a multiple graded-stakes placed mare, with notable performances in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and the Grade 1 Ballerina (G1). Lane's End president Bill Farish remarked on Englishman's future, highlighting his impressive speed and physical attributes: "Englishman's speed was undeniable every time he raced. He is a well-built and aesthetically pleasing horse, as evidenced by his yearling sale price. This rare combination of brilliant speed and exceptional conformation will undoubtedly attract breeders, making him an outstanding addition to our stallion roster."