BY BROCK SHERIDAN

As first reported by Steve Andersen in Daily Racing Form, Florida-bred Horse of the Year and 2025 Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Grade 1)-winner Bentornato has suffered a sesamoid injury and will miss the remainder of 2026. However, the 5-year-old ridgling is expected to resume his racing career in 2027.

Bentornato has two starts this year, finishing second to Book ‘em Danno in the Grade 3 True North at Saratoga on June 6 and second to Dark Saffron in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Nakheel at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on March 28.

The son of Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister has assembled earnings of $2,802,180 from seven wins, four seconds and two thirds from 13 starts. He is out of Her Special Way, by Put It Back and was bred in Florida by Susan and Charles Chu’s Tanma Corp.

Owned by Leon King Stable Corp. and TCC Stables, Bentornato had two recent works at Saratoga Race Course, the most recent on July 4 when working four furlongs in :49.66.

Return to the July 17 issue of Wire to Wire