RENEGADE Sidelined With Bone Bruising, Expected to Return for 4-Year-Old Campaign in 2027

Agentes 305 7 hours ago (Last updated: 7 hours ago)

Kentucky Derby runner-up and Arkansas Derby winner will miss the remainder of 2026; Saudi Arabia and Dubai are also off the table

One of the leading members of this year’s 3-year-old division will not race again in 2026.

Renegade, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and winner of both the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Jim Dandy Stakes (G2), has been sidelined with mild bone bruising and is expected to return to training with a 4-year-old campaign in 2027 as the goal.

David Grening of Daily Racing Form first reported the news Tuesday, Sept. 29, following comments from trainer Todd Pletcher, who indicated that the issue is not believed to be serious. Daily Racing Form

“I don’t think it’s significant,” Pletcher told DRF, adding that the hope is for Renegade to be out of training for approximately 60 days before beginning preparations for next season. The timetable means early-season international targets in Saudi Arabia and Dubai will not be considered, but Pletcher said the connections are hopeful Renegade can have a relatively full campaign in 2027. Daily Racing Form

A Strong 3-Year-Old Campaign Comes to an Early End

Owned by Mike Repole and Robert and Lawana Low, Renegade developed into one of the most accomplished members of his generation during a productive 2026 season.

The son of Into Mischief won three of six starts this year, beginning his campaign with a victory in the Sam F. Davis Stakes before making a major statement with his triumph in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. Daily Racing Form

That performance established Renegade as one of the major contenders heading into the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Despite encountering trouble from the inside post, he produced a strong stretch run and came within a neck of Golden Tempo, settling for second in one of the most competitive finishes of this year’s Triple Crown. Daily Racing Form

Renegade returned in the Belmont Stakes, where he finished third behind Golden Tempo, before rebounding at Saratoga with a victory in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes on Aug. 1. Daily Racing Form

His final appearance of the season came in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes on Aug. 29, where he finished eighth of 10. According to DRF, Renegade has not recorded a workout since the Travers. Daily Racing Form

Attention Turns to 2027

The decision to give Renegade time away from training effectively closes the book on a 3-year-old campaign that saw him compete at the highest level throughout the spring and summer.

It also eliminates the possibility of an early 2027 trip to the Middle East for races surrounding the Saudi and Dubai carnivals. Instead, Pletcher and Renegade’s connections will focus on bringing him back for an extended North American campaign later in his 4-year-old season. Daily Racing Form

Renegade was bred in Kentucky by Robert and Lawana Low and was purchased for $975,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Repole Stable, with the Lows subsequently buying back into the colt. He is out of the Curlin mare Spice Is Nice, a Grade 3 winner who was also trained by Pletcher. Paulick Report

For now, one of the most recognizable horses from the 2026 Triple Crown trail gets a well-earned break, with the expectation that Renegade will be back on the racetrack in 2027.