Nysos has been retired from racing and will begin his stallion career at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud for the 2027 breeding season. The decision followed a routine scan that showed subtle imaging changes. Nysos remains sound and uninjured, but his trainer and owners chose to end his racing career early to protect his long-term health.
Trainer Bob Baffert and the ownership group, Baoma Corporation along with the Coolmore partners, made the decision together. Rather than preparing him for another major race, they retired him at the peak of his career. He never finished off the board, retiring with multiple Grade 1 wins and more than $5.2 million in earnings.
Why Bob Baffert Retired Nysos After a Routine Scan
The retirement follows a standard medical check that found minor imaging changes. While the scan only showed slight issues, Nysos was described as perfectly sound and uninjured. Still, his connections agreed that continuing his racing campaign would not be the right choice. Baffert said the decision was made in the horse’s interest.
“Nysos is not hurt or injured, but taking a precautionary approach is strictly about doing what is right for the horse,” Baffert said. “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.”
Nysos made an immediate impression early in his career. He was named a ‘TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard’ after winning his debut at Santa Anita by a widening 10 1⁄2-length margin.
Throughout his career, he stayed consistent on the track. He retires with a 10-8-2-0 record and more than $5.2 million in earnings. His biggest wins include the 2025 G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and the G1 Met Mile at Saratoga, where he landed another Grade 1.
He finished second twice, to Mindframe in the 2025 G1 Churchill Downs Stakes and to Forever Young in this year’s G1 Saudi Cup, where he battled the winner throughout.
Looking back on Nysos’ career, Baffert praised his natural gifts and racing style.
“He was brilliant from day one,” Baffert said. “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.”
What Nysos Brings to Ashford Stud in 2027
The retirement announcement also marked the beginning of Nysos’ future as a stallion. He will stand at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud for the 2027 breeding season, with his stud fee set to be announced in the near future.
Co-owner Susan Chu of Baoma Corp. said Nysos was the horse every owner dreams of, and spoke about what he means to her family.
“Nysos is the horse every owner dreams of having, and for Charles and me, he represents a defining milestone in our lives,” said Susan Chu. “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.”
She thanked Bob Baffert for his role in developing Nysos and said she is confident in his future at Ashford.
“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.”
Chu also said she and Charles Chu are backing Nysos with their best stakes winning mares, looking forward to seeing his legacy continue for generations. Charlie O’Connor of Ashford Stud also welcomed Nysos to their stallion roster.
“Nysos showed rare brilliance every time he stepped on the racetrack,” said 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.”
Nysos was bred in Kentucky by Susie Atkins, by champion sire Nyquist out of the $2 million broodmare Zetta Z. Though his racing career ends sooner than expected, his connections now focus on his next stage at Ashford Stud starting in the 2027 breeding season.
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