Ross noted that in Extravagant Kid’s two most recent starts at Gulfstream — the Janis Stakes December 31 and an allowance on February 2 — that his prize horse may have lost a step and flattened out just a bit. 

“We had him scanned and it looked like he was starting to get the beginning of a bone spur,” said Ross. 

After the diagnosis, Extravagant Kid was retired and is now at a training center in Ocala temporarily where Ross keeps his young horses. He will be based there until a permanent home is found. 

Ross — whose stable name is DARRS’s Inc —- along with trainer Brendan Walsh and Racing Manager James Bredin are all committed to finding the right next home for Extravagant Kid 

“We are on a mission to find him the perfect place because he has brought so much joy to everyone who has been a part of his life,” said Ross. “He will thrive in his second career, possibly as a riding horse because he loves to do trails. We want to make sure he is happy and productive going forward.” 

Ross, who has had graded stakes winners with Scuba, Honorable Duty and Proforma, said his biggest thrill as an owner was Extravagant Kid’s victory in the $1 Million, Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint Stakes last March in Dubai. Extravagant Kid won numerous other stakes, including the 2019 Da Hoss at Colonial Downs.

“I’ve had a lot of nice horses over the years but none have been able to do what this one did — -win a Grade 1, or in this case a Group 1 stakes. He’s been an unbelievably great horse to be associated with and has thrived on new adventures.”