Ted Noffey retired to Spendthrift, while Further Ado will remain in training for 2027

The 2025 champion 2-year-old colt will not race again following his fifth-place finish in the Dwyer Stakes (L). The son of Into Mischief will enter stud at a fee of US$ 60,000, while the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner will remain in training

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special Correspondent).— The racing story of Ted Noffey reached a conclusion far different from what was envisioned just a year ago. The colt that thoroughly dominated the 2025 American juvenile division,winning three Grade 1s and capping an undefeated campaign, will not return to the track. His disappointing comeback last Saturday in the Dwyer Stakes (L) proved to be his final farewell.

Spendthrift Farm announced Tuesday that the son of Into Mischief will stand his initial season at stud in 2027 for a fee of US$ 60,000, live foal guaranteed.

The decision came just three days after Ted Noffey finished fifth at Belmont Park in what turned out to be his lone start of the season. The result stood in sharp contrast to the supreme aura he had projected at age two.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, the bay colt debuted victoriously at Saratoga before storming to an 8 1/2-length triumph in the Hopeful Stakes (G1), a performance that instantly established him among the nation's elite juveniles.

His next assignment was the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, where he handled his first two-turn test with another decisive victory, winning by 2 3/4 lengths. The ultimate coronation came in the Fanduel Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar, wrapping up a flawless campaign that earned him the Eclipse Award as Champion 2-Year-Old Male.

Everything appeared lined up for a starring role on the 2026 Triple Crown trail. However, bone bruising derailed his preparation, ruling him out of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the remaining classic fixtures of the spring.

His return was delayed until November, and when he finally reappeared, he was far from his brilliant best.

Thus, Ted Noffey retires with 4 wins from 5 starts, three Grade 1 victories, and US$ 1,665,963 in earnings—figures that reflect exceptional talent, albeit over a much shorter career than anticipated.

"We are incredibly proud of what he accomplished on the racetrack. Winning three Grade 1 races at three different tracks demonstrates his extraordinary talent, class, and precocity," said Ned Toffey, general manager of Spendthrift.

The executive also highlighted the appeal of adding another high-caliber son of Into Mischief to the farm's stallion roster.

On his dam's side, Ted Noffey is out of Streak of Luck (Old Fashioned), a stakes winner and multiple graded-placed mare whose credits include placings in the Buena Vista Stakes (G2) and Autumn Miss Stakes (G3).

The news arrived alongside a contrasting decision regarding Further Ado, another major protagonist of the season.

The son of Gun Runner, trained by Brad Cox, will remain in training following his thrilling nose victory in the Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), where he posted a 106 Beyer Speed Figure.

Also winner of the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1), Further Ado will race on through 2027, seeking to expand a career that still promises plenty.

For Ted Noffey, however, the future lies in the stallion barn. His unbeaten record ended in a single afternoon, but the memory of his extraordinary juvenile campaign will serve as his main calling card as he enters his new career.