Trainers Scratch Magnitude from Breeders' Cup Classic

The 4-year-old Thoroughbred retires following a PET scan that revealed damage in his left foreleg.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Equestrian

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a thoroughbred horse galloping across a rolling bluegrass field in golden light. — Coolmore America has retired Magnitude from racing after a mandatory PET scan revealed injury in the horse's left foreleg. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Coolmore America has announced the retirement of Magnitude after a PET scan identified a disruption in the suspensory fibers of the horse's left foreleg. The decision results in the 4-year-old being scratched from the upcoming Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland.

Why it matters

The removal of the contender impacts the field for the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic, where Magnitude had been established as a 6-1 betting choice. His departure shifts the competitive landscape for the race, as he concludes a successful career with significant earnings.

Magnitude ends his racing career with 15 starts, a record of 8-2-1, and $9.6 million in total earnings. He most recently placed sixth in the Grade 1 Whitney held in Saratoga on Aug. 8.

The players

Magnitude

He is a 4-year-old Thoroughbred stallion and son of Not This Time who has earned $9.6 million throughout his career.

Coolmore America

This major thoroughbred breeding and racing organization operates stallions and manages assets like the Ashford Stud.

Ashford Stud

Located in Lexington, this prominent thoroughbred breeding farm serves as the site where stallions typically begin their stud careers.

The details

The decision to retire the son of Not This Time followed a mandatory PET scan which detected structural issues in the limb. He is now set to transition into a new career, having been slated to begin stud duties at Ashford Stud starting next year.

Aug. 8, 2026: Magnitude finished sixth in the Grade 1 Whitney.
Oct. 31, 2026: The Breeders' Cup Classic takes place at Keeneland.
2027: Magnitude begins stud duties at Ashford Stud.

Season Trajectory

This retirement alters the competitive balance of the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland by removing a horse previously viewed as a top-tier contender. It marks a definitive end to his 2026 campaign and influences the upcoming roster for major stakes races.

Bettors and fans will need to adjust their analysis of the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic field following the removal of the 6-1 betting choice. The scratch effectively eliminates his participation in the race's final standings and betting pools.

The takeaway

The retirement of Magnitude underscores the increasing reliance on advanced veterinary screening to ensure equine safety at major events. Owners often prioritize long-term breeding value over immediate racing risks when diagnostic scans indicate potential structural vulnerabilities.