The son of Indian Charlie was withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby (G1) the day before the race, due to unresolved gastro-intestinal issues. Uncle Mo was diagnosed with a G.I. tract infection following his third-place effort in the Wood Memorial S. (G1) on April 9.
“It is a big responsibility to get a horse of Uncle Mo’s stature back to his championship form, and we’re flattered that Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher have shown the trust and confidence in us to get the job done,” said WinStar President Elliot Walden. “We’re proud of the training operation we’ve established at WinStar and have been privileged to work with many top racehorses, both of WinStar ownership and from outside owners. Uncle Mo will be taken care of as if he’s our own, and he’ll get the full benefit of the many resources we have to offer so that we can get him back to the racetrack in the best and fastest way possible.”
Pletcher said “It makes sense to keep him in the Lexington area, where he will have access to the best veterinary facilities. WinStar Farm has a beautiful training facility which includes a hyperbaric chamber and a first-class staff. Our focus is to figure out what is going on internally with him and get him back to 100%….the horse is already fit, so we don’t think it will take him long to get back to his 2-year old form.”
Repole added, “The number one goal is to get Uncle Mo healthy, and I feel very confident with Elliott Walden and his team. Todd trains many of WinStar’s horses, and he and Elliott speak on a regular basis. Our second, distant goal when Uncle Mo gets back to the races is for him to be named 3-year-old champion and Horse of the Year.”
