Nysos Retired Healthy, to Stand at Ashford Stud

Exceptional grade 1 winner Nysos, a winner of two grade 1 races on dirt including his recent 4-length score in the Metropolitan Handicap (G1), has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud, it was announced Aug. 3. The decision was made following a routine diagnostic evaluation that revealed subtle imaging changes on a scan. While Nysos remains sound and uninjured, trainer Bob Baffert and the ownership group of Baoma Corporation and partners associated with Coolmore unanimously agreed to take a strict precautionary approach, prioritizing the horse's long-term health and safety above all else. "Nysos is not hurt or injured, but taking a precautionary approach is strictly about doing what is right for the horse," said Hall of Fame trainer Baffert. "With the minor changes shown on the evaluation, we simply don't have the time needed to prepare him for the Breeders' Cup the way we would want to. He has given us everything and retiring him completely sound and at the top of his game is the proper decision." An electrifying performer from his very first start, Nysos retires with a near-flawless record: 10 career starts, eight victories, two seconds, and more than $5.2 million in earnings. After running away with commanding multi-length victories in the 2023 Bob Hope Stakes (G3) and 2024 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3), Nysos evolved into a titan on the world stage as an older horse. His defining performances included a thrilling victory in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), an unforgettable, heroic duel in the Saudi Cup (G1) against Forever Young (JPN) where he finished second, and a triumphant, career-defining performance in the prestigious Met Mile at Saratoga Race Course. "He was brilliant from day one," Baffert added. "He possessed a great mind, raw speed, and incredible intelligence. He is a remarkably talented racehorse. When he opened up on a field, the margins he put on top horses were unbelievable. He made top-class competition look ordinary, and I have no doubt he will be a massive success at stud." Reflecting on his career, co-owner Susan Chu of Baoma Corp. highlighted what Nysos has meant to her family and racing program: "Nysos is the horse every owner dreams of having, and for Charles (Chu) and me, he represents a defining milestone in our lives. He is far more than an exceptional racehorse, he is the greatest reward for the years of dedication and unwavering commitment we have put into our life in racing. "We are deeply grateful to Bob Baffert for developing one of our greatest racing stars and guiding Nysos throughout his remarkable racing career. We are equally honored that Coolmore, one of the world's most respected and successful stallion operations, will lead the next chapter of Nysos' journey. We have every confidence that he will make a significant impact as a stallion. "Charles and I are fully committed to supporting Nysos with our very best stakes-winning mares, and we look forward with great excitement to watching his legacy continue for generations to come." "Nysos showed rare brilliance every time he stepped on the racetrack," said Coolmore director of sales Charlie O'Connor. "He brings together serious speed, outstanding physical presence, and a top-class pedigree. He is a fantastic addition to our roster, and we are grateful to Charles and Susan Chu and our partners for bringing a stallion prospect of his quality to Ashford." Bred in Kentucky by Susie Atkins, Nysos is by champion sire Nyquist out of the $2 million broodmare Zetta Z. Stud fee details will be announced in the near future.