Horse Racing News is the source of thoroughbred racing information with horse racing odds, betting tips, racing picks, race results, and handicapping. Latest news and articles on top horse racing contenders, jockeys, trainers, three-year-olds, race tracks, and major stakes races such as the Triple Crown races: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes as well as the Breeders' Cup horse races.Three-Time Hollywood Gold Cup Winner Lava Man Retired At 7
Posted on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
DEL MAR, Calif. (AP)–Lava Man was retired Wednesday as thoroughbred racing’s richest claiming horse after X-rays revealed changes in the horse’s front ankles.
The 7-year-old gelding was claimed for $50,000 at Del Mar in 2004 and finished his career with earnings of $5,268,706, and 17 wins in 46 starts.
In 2006, Lava Man became the first race horse to win the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic in the same year. Lava Man won three consecutive Hollywood Gold Cups, from 2005-07, matching Native Diver’s feat. He also won the ‘Big Cap in 2007.
But Lava Man hadn’t visited the winner’s circle since June 30, 2007, ending his career on a six-race losing streak. He finished last in his final start, the Eddie Read Handicap on July 20 at Del Mar.
Steve Kenly of STD Racing Stable, who co-owns Lava Man with Jason Wood, decided to retire Lava Man after the horse underwent exams at a clinic in Los Olivos, Calif. X-rays of the horse’s front ankles were significantly different from those taken earlier this year, he said.
“When we heard about the results of the X-rays, the decision was easy,” Kenly said. “It was time to call it a day.”
Race horse trainer Doug O’Neill claimed the horse for the current owners and trained him the rest of his career.
“It’s been wonderful to be around such a great champion,” he said. “He’ll be missed, but I’m going to put in my vote for him to be our stable pony.”
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"Three-Time Hollywood Gold Cup Winner Lava Man Retired At 7" was posted on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 8:40 pm and is filed under Horse Racing Industry, Horses, USA Horse Racing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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