to visit Old Friends, there’s news today that the Georgetown, Kentucky thoroughbred retirement farm will welcome a new resident on September 16—Lava Man. A one-time $50,000 claimer, Lava Man went on to win over $5.2 million including three consecutive G1 Hollywood Gold Cups and, most impressively, G1s on all three racing surfaces—turf, dirt and synthetic.
Ironic, I suppose, that Lava Man ends up residing in Kentucky, as this California-bred son of Slew City Slew out of the California-bred Nostalgia’s Star mare Li’l Ms. Leonard ran the vast majority of his successful races in the state of California. However, all the better for racing fans from all over the country who flock to Old Friends to meet their favorite retirees—including G1 winners Ruhlmann, Awad, Kiri’s Clown, Bull inthe Heather, Sunshine Forever, and Ogygian. Of course, there are the hard-knockers too represented by Swan’s Way, Cappucino Kid, and Popcorn Deelites (the latter also a movie star, cast as one of the stand-ins for Seabiscuit in the big-screen adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s bestseller). And there’s my personal favorite, Danthebluegrassman.
Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance members make an annual donation to Old Friends. In celebration of Lava Man’s imminent arrival, consider making a donation today—they even accept PayPal!
I can't wait to finally meet the legendary Lava Man.
I must smile.
ReplyDeleteOne of the original owner/breeders' who lost Lava Man for $50,000, has re-located here in Ocala. He's a fine person and horseman - proof that even the best of us can make extreme boo-boos. Having known him since my California days, we're good friends but the "subject" is still a sore one. At least he was compensated with the breeders' awards.