By DRF.com
HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 25, 2024) — California-bred One in Vermillion, the winner of the Grade 1 Allen Jerkens Stakes at Saratoga in August and stakes in three other states, has been retired after sustaining a fetlock injury in a workout at Zia Park earlier this month.
Owner Jonathan Kalman said on Friday that One in Vermillion underwent successful surgery on Nov. 6, two days after the injury was diagnosed, but that the injury will prevent the colt from returning to racing.
Kalman said he has held discussions with stallion farms about a stud deal for One in Vermillion, but that no deal has been finalized.
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“I’m looking at a couple of different opportunities,” Kalman said.
Kalman described the injury as a medial fracture and that there “is much less chance of returning to the track with that fracture” compared to a lateral injury, he said.
Bred by Richard Barton Enterpises and trained by Esteban Martinez, One in Vermillion won 6 of 12 starts and earned $653,840. The Jerkens was his most prestigious win, but occurred under tragic circumstances.
New York Thunder had a clear lead in the stretch of the seven-furlong race when he sustained a fatal injury, leaving One in Vermillion on the lead.
As a 2-year-old, One in Vermillion won two stakes at Turf Paradise in Arizona.
Earlier this year, One in Vermillion won the Riley Allison Derby at a mile at Sunland Park, and the Laz Barrera Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs at Santa Anita.
In July, One in Vermillion finished in a dead-heat for first in the Iowa Derby but was demoted to second for causing interference. In early August, One in Vermillion finished third in the Grade 3 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park.
“I wish he’d had a longer career,” Kalman said. “I feel like we were just getting started.”
By the Friesan Fire stallion Army Mule, One in Vermillion was purchased for a mere $26,000 as a yearling at a sale in Arizona in 2021.