Afleet Alex Is Retired to Stud

There will be no comeback for Afleet Alex.

The winner of the Preakness and Belmont Stakes this year has been retired after another injury to his left front leg was discovered recently.

During a nationwide conference call Thursday, trainer Tim Ritchey said the problem leg probably would take at least six months to heal, so the decision was made by the owning Cash Is King Stable to retire the 3-year-old colt.

Afleet Alex, son of Northern Afleet, went to the sidelines after his seven-length victory in the Belmont on June 11 with a hairline fracture of the cannon bone in his left foreleg.

At one point, there was hope he could return in time for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 29, but the latest target for his comeback was said to be the Sunshine Millions Classic on Jan. 28 at Santa Anita.

“We’re doing what is in the best interest of the horse,” Ritchey said. “We have to stop for his safety and well-being. This horse thrilled all of us and he thrilled millions.”

Purchased for $75,000 as a 2-year-old, Afleet Alex finished his career with eight wins in 12 starts and earnings of $2,765,800.

He’ll be remembered most for his victory in the Preakness. He went to his knees after clipping the heels of eventual runner-up Scrappy T, but was able to recover under jockey Jeremy Rose and went on to easily win at Pimlico. The speculation is that the jarring he took that day led to his leg problems.

Where Afleet Alex will go to stud is undetermined.

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-- Bob Mieszerski

Hoping to gain improved benefits, representatives of the Jockeys’ Guild held a five-hour meeting with horse racing industry executives at Churchill Downs.

Issues discussed included health insurance, safety issues, media rights, issues affecting disabled jockeys and payments to the Thoroughbred Racing Assns., guild spokeswoman Angie Gimmel said.

Another meeting is planned for after Jan. 1, but no date has been set.

SKIING

Reichelt Wins Super-G,

Miller Fails to Finish

Hannes Reichelt of Austria defied poor conditions to get his first World Cup super-G victory in 1 minute 17.33 seconds at Beaver Creek, Colo.

Reichelt, an early starter on the run, was less affected by the heavy snow and blustery winds that hampered many of the favorites, including overall champion Bode Miller, who did not finish.

Canada’s Erik Guay was second in 1:17.37 and Austrian Matthias Lanzinger took third in 1:17.49 for his first podium place.

Miller did not speak to reporters afterward.

After speeding through the opening section, Miller couldn’t navigate a gate about halfway down the course and skied off course.

It was the third consecutive disappointing showing for the American, who was 18th and 22nd in two races at Lake Louise, Canada, last weekend.

GOLF

Els Par for the Course

in Return From Injury

Ernie Els got pretty much what he expected from his return to competitive golf 4 1/2 months after injuring his left knee.

“It felt like my first round back,” said Els, who shot a par 72 in the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City, South Africa. “I hit some funny shots, but my knee stood up very well.”

Els was five shots behind Darren Clarke after the opening round.

Michael Allen, 46, leads by six shots after two rounds of PGA Tour qualifying at Winter Garden, Fla..... Tim Herron withdrew from Sunday’s Bard Capital Challenge at TPC at The Canyons in Las Vegas. Herron will be replaced by Bo Van Pelt.

TENNIS

Ivanisevic Is Left Off Croatia’s Lineup

Goran Ivanisevic was left out of the lineup for Croatia’s Davis Cup final against Slovakia in Bratislava, Slovakia

The 34-year-old former Wimbledon champion, who came out of retirement for the Davis Cup, was not selected in the draw for the best-of-five series between the first-time finalists. He could be brought in as a late replacement, however.

Croatia’s top player, Ivan Ljubicic, will oppose Karol Beck, Slovakia’s No. 2, in the opening singles today. Mario Ancic of Croatia will play Dominik Hrbaty in the second match.

MISCELLANY

U.S., Canada to Play

Friendly in San Diego

The U.S. men’s soccer team will open its 2006 schedule with a friendly against Canada on Jan. 22 at San Diego.

The Americans, preparing for the World Cup in Germany, will play Japan on Feb. 10 at San Francisco.

Last month, it announced a match with Norway on Jan. 29 at the Home Depot Center

Ebony Collins, a 16-year-old junior at Long Beach Wilson, was selected the 2005 youth athlete of the year by USA Track and Field. Her records this summer included the fastest time ever by an intermediate girl (15-16 years) in the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. youth championships and a gold medal in the world youth championships.

Gillian Zucker, California Speedway president, has been appointed to the state Travel and Tourism Commission by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Zucker also is slated to receive the “Pioneer Award” from the National Assn. of Women Business Owners -- Inland Empire.