Dee Favorite Tacha has been scratched from Monday's $3,000,0000 All American Futurity(G1).

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by Greg Thompson, StallioneSearch.com

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–AUGUST 27, 2025–The field for the 2025 All American Futurity (G1) has experienced its first withdrawal, as Dee Favorite Tacha, trained by Ricardo Armendariz, has been scratched from consideration. The reason for this decision is that the horse underwent surgery to repair a slab fracture in his right knee, which required the insertion of two screws, as reported by the trainer. according to the trainer.

Armendariz confirmed the setback for the two-year-old Dulce Sin Tacha gelding, who also qualified for the 2025 Ruidoso Futurity(G1) field.  While at the starting gate for the finals of the $1 million event, Dee Favorite Tacha reared up significantly in the gates and was scratched by the state steward right before the race.

"Dr. Jensen in El Paso performed the surgery on Dee Favorite Tacha, and afterward was pleased with the outcome," said Armendariz. "He shared the files with a few other veterinarians, and we’re optimistic about his recovery.  We are unsure if he has a racing career moving forward, as we will play it by ear.  The horse's welfare is first and foremost moving forward, and he’s done enough for us to let him live out his days in the pasture."

The slab fracture was diagnosed shortly after the horse’s qualifying performance, which earned him a spot in the finals with the ninth-fastest time going into the final. Connections quickly elected for surgery to give the colt the best chance at a full recovery, even if it meant missing the biggest stage in the sport.

For Armendariz, the blow carries an extra sting as this marks the second consecutive year that his barn has lost a finalist for the Labor Day classic event before the championship day.  In 2024, his runner, Turners Hot Habit, was forced to withdraw after contracting Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM).

According to the UC Davis website, Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis is caused by a central nervous system infection with the protozoan parasites Sarcocystis neurona and, less commonly, Neospora hughesi. It is often a progressively debilitating disease and can affect any part of the nervous system, from the front of the cerebrum to the end of the spinal cord.  It is considered the most prevalent cause of neurologic disease of horses in the Americas.