 |
| (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club) |
After six months off to recover from the wear and tear of a
North American record 22 straight victories, Rapid Redux will be retired next
week to Kentucky Horse Park, his owner Robert Cole and trainer David Wells
said.
"He's perfect right now and we want him to stay that
way," said Cole, a Towson native. "Why risk having him get
beat."
Located outside of Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park is home to
many famous horses, including Cigar, Da Horse and Funny Cide. John Henry, who
was a resident, is buried there.
Rapid Redux was claimed by Cole at Penn National for $6,250
on Oct.13, 2010. He went 19-for-19 in 2011, tying Citation's national record
for wins in a season. His 22 straight wins broke the North American record of
19 previously held by 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta and New Mexico-bred
Pepper's Pride.
Rapid Redux earned those victories at seven tracks and at
distances ranging from five furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, under the guidance of
seven riders.
Among his awards are an Eclipse Special Award and the
Secretariat Vox Populi Award that recognizes a horse who distinguishes himself
in the eyes of the public.
Thursday, Rapid Redux's team also received a Special Award
of Merit at the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course.
"I've been very careful with him over his time
off," Wells said. "I didn't want to let him out in a big field where
he might hurt himself, so I've been taking him out, hand walking him, to eat
grass. He's fine, but he ran hard and he's not quite the same horse, to be
honest. He gave us a really fun ride, and I'm glad he's healthy and we're
letting him go out on top."
No comments:
Post a Comment