Multiple graded stakes winner Imperative is succeeding in a new career as a sport horse. According to a tweet this week from the National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization (NTWO), the 10-year-old gelding retired and joined the organization's retraining program in August 2019 after a seventh-place finish in that year's Grade 1 Whitney. The earner of over $3 million was shown looking graceful in the dressage ring.
Imperative had a place guaranteed for him at Old Friends, but owner Ron Paolucci said in a press release at the time that the gelding was still healthy and sound and wanted a job so he opted to send him along to a new career.
The 10-year-old gelding is a son of Bernardini out of Call Her. Imperative had 50 starts and placed in 19 of them. He is a two-time winner of the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic and has placed second or third in the G1 Gold Cup, G1 Pacific Classic, G2 San Antonio, G2 San Pasqual, and G3 Native Diver.
At the time of his retirement, Anthony Qartarolo conditioned the horse for Paolucci and Imaginary Stables.
Imperative was bred in Kentucky at Darley's Glencrest Farm. He was consigned by Four Star Sales at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2011 and bought by John Fergusson for $325,000.
Remember Imperative? Retired to NTWO, here he is in his new life as a show horse. He looks wonderful! pic.twitter.com/qTOjuARXuR
— NTWO (@NTWOorg) December 26, 2020
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