Racing fans attending the Breeders’ Cup World Championship will get to see more of the history made by active athletes from November 4-5 at Keeneland.
They will also witness the final chapter of the Hall of Famer Lava Man The foal’s second career settled for Team O’Neill, as the 22-year-old 1st grade winner was heading to pasture at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Ranch near Georgetown, Ky.
Coach Doug O’Neill announced the news on October 19 via social media, sharing that Lava Man will Hot Rod Charlie arrives at the gate for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 5 in Keeneland on his final mission before joining the lineup at Old Friends.
“We are extremely excited and saddened that (we announce) Lava Man will be on his final training mission to bring Hot Rod Charlie to the gate during this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland…” O’Neill’s statement. “With so much life left in his spirit, body and mind, we look forward to seeing more people be able to meet and experience his greatness and uniqueness at Old Friends in Kentucky.”
Retiring at the end of 2009 after 47 starts with a 17-8-5 record and $5,268,706 earnings, Lava Man became a key member of Team O’Neill and was quickly nicknamed “The Coach” coach” for his role in helping to teach children. rope racing horse. He was also a road warrior, having transported across the country with many candidates for their various missions from O’Neill’s Southern California base.
“We would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to the special and important people in Lava Man’s life,” O’Neill’s statement continued, “Dave and Steve Kenly (and) Jason Wood, owners Also, Noe Garcia (his longtime groom), Antonio Romero (his longtime gymnast), Sabas Rivera (his two-legged brother), Jimmy Jimenez (longtime shooter), and our right hand man, Leandro Mora.
Breeders' Cup Breeders' Cup Classic Doug O'Neill Michael Blowen Old Friends Perfect aftercare Team O'Neill
