Horse Racing News on November 9, 2011

One of only three horses to contest every leg of this year's Triple Crown, Mucho Macho Man returned to the races with a sharp front-running performance at Aqueduct on Wednesday, winning a one-mile optional claimer by a widening 5 3/4-length margin.

Ladies' Classic winner Royal Delta came from Churchill Downs to Keeneland's auction ring Tuesday and blew the roof off the market, selling for $8.5 million to Benjamin Leon's Besilu Stables.

Three-time champion Gio Ponti, an earner of more than $6.1 million during five seasons of racing, has been retired to his owners' Castleton Lyons.

Florida breeder/owner Harold Queen has retired his homebred Eclipse Award winner and Breeders' Cup winner Big Drama. Breeding plans are undecided.