Won The West, who captured last year’s Breeders Crown, will not start in this year’s $500,000 event on October 29 at Woodbine Racetrack

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The winner of $3,966,156 lifetime sustained a re-occurring injury, according to his trainer Ron Burke.

“There is some inflammation in his tendon from a previous injury he had,” said Burke. “He’s got nearly $4 million made so I will not put more pressure on him. He’s a horse of a lifetime and I will not take any chances with him.”

Burke admits it’s a tough pill to swallow as Won The West is approaching the all-time record in purse earnings for a pacer. He currently sits second behind Gallo Blue Chip’s career earnings of $4,293,108.

“Yeah, it’s tough,” he said. “But, at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for the horse. He will not race again this year, but I will have him ready to go next season. It’s a shame to miss the Breeders Crown this year at Woodbine, especially because he always gets better as the year goes on.”

Won The West, a son of the late Western Hanover, is owned by Country Club Acres Inc., Strollin Stable and William Robinson. The 36-time winner is primarily driven by David Miller.

(WEG)