Ivery Sisters Racing’s Monte Man , who scored a second straight win at the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint Stakes last month at Fair Grounds & Slots, retired at the age of 9.
Coach Ron Faucheux told the Fair Grounds that Val Murrell, who has bred gelding in Louisiana, is “happy to take him in.” Murrell owns Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, La., where Monte Man’s son, Customization for Carlos , stand.
Faucheux said Monte Man didn’t get out of a practice session last week as he had hoped.
“At this point, as a 9-year-old, he’s been amazing to us, we want to see him lead a happy life from this point on,” he noted.
Claimed for $25,000 by Ivery Sisters Racing in October 2017, Monte Man finished his career with 18 wins in 50 starts and earned $794,223. He also twice won the Costa Rising Stakes at Fair Grounds and the Louisiana Legends Sprint Stakes at Evangeline Downs and on unique occasions, three other holdings race in the state.
“I feel privileged to have coached him through that process,” said Faucheux. “He’s a barn lover, a fan favorite, a special horse – you can hear it in John Dooley’s emotional call about his last race.”
During that memorable call of the race on December 11, Dooley exclaimed: “Here’s the gladiator, Monte Man, with that fighter’s heart going to Adam Beschizza. Monte Man is now an 18-time winner. times – Monte Man did a great job!”
Videotapes: Louisiana Champions Day Sprint S. (BT)
