Word from the Big Jim camp is that the world record holding pacer will head to the breeding shed
in 2012.
Trot Insider broke the news that rocked the harness racing world last week when owner Jim Carr reported that the three-year-old son of Western Ideal was injured and done for the year. Carr now confirms that the on-track career of 2010's freshman pacer of the year is over.
"The steady pounding has taken its toll and [veterinarian] Dr. David Powell recommends that he not race," stated Carr. "The next time you'll see Big Jim in a race program is as a sire."
Carr had stated previously that he would be interested in racing the James Dean trainee as an aged horse, but those plans have been shelved in light of the injuries to his rear ankles.
"I guess there is always a possibility of return in a year but I don't think we will be taking that route unless there's an issue with his stud career and his injuries have fully healed."
Carr is leaning toward standing Big Jim in Ontario but no deal has been finalized as of yet. Big Jim's career resume stands at 10 wins, 3 seconds and 4 thirds in 20 lifetime starts with over $1.5 million banked a mark of 1:49.1 taken at two, making him the co-fastest freshman in harness racing history.
"James Dean did a tremendous job in training and conditioning of Big Jim," concluded Carr. "I would like to thank everyone involved with the care and handling of Big Jim, especially Friday and his driver, Phil Hudon."