looking for Merger horse info

[Travis]

Hi all, I am looking for info about my horse Merger - anybody knows him?

Merger - I brought him home from small no name situation in Florida.
He is 7yo gelding grey son of Mr Greeley and Toledo Queen (El Gran Senor).
He sold for $210k in KY then shipped to Ireland as 2yo, he won his 1st race, raced 2nd few times, shipped back to US, ran in FL at Gulf Stream and Calder, jockey Bridgmohan, trainer S. Asmussen... Life winnings $114+

My question is to whoever knows this horse: please let me know why he was retired and what his injuries were.
I've been having troubles identifying his intermitent lameness... arthritis?
Why was he retired from racing?
I would greatly appreciate to hear from his grooms/hotwalkers anybody knows him?
Its been only 3 years since his last show at racetrack!
It would help me a lot to hear what his injuries were - to rehab him.
He is intermitently lame..

Anybody?

Thank you.

[Travis]

And yes - why he woud be gelded?

[Tbird]

Get him x-rayed.

[Travis]

Yes I will get gim x rayed but it would help to have some hint as to where his career ending injuries came from.
We can aim the xrays if we know rather than go all oevr the body...
I'd prefer to spend $$$ on treating his injuries than on never ending battery of diagnostics.
Thanks.

[Travis]

Another thought:
I support the racing industry although I am not involved in it in any way except owning retired racehorses. I like to watch tb racing and I love the exciting life stories of all those who participate in this sport. I watch Jockeys too
Honestly I wish I could be part of this sport more...
So I think a liiitle bit of openess from the pros would be nice when it comes to their retired horses and sharing what they know about their retired, crippled, injured and no longer wanted rejects.
I think in the case of my horse Merger he was fancy enough to be examined when he broke down or was injured or whatever happened to him - somebody knew pretty well what's wrong and then somebody determined he is worth nothing...
It blows my mind that somebody paid $210,000 for him only short time before...
Knowing what to look for in his past would help this horse now...
I am getting proper vet care for him but if I knew about his past injuries I could direct my funds better. That's all.
Thanks.

[louis finochio]

Travis:I did a pedigree search, & found out why Merger was injured. PM me & I'll explain what I found. louis.

[Tbird]

Travis, I know exactly what you mean. I have one here who started in 3 races at age four, still owned by his breeders. I'd love to know what he was doing the first four years of his life and why he didn't start until he was four.
Good luck with Merger; hope he's OK.

[cng]

And yes - why he woud be gelded?

The better question is why shouldn't he be gelded? I see no evidence he should be a stud. He comes from a long line of stakes placed horses but no winners.

[Travis]

Merger's sire Mr. Greeley's - 53% of his progeny won a race and his dam's sire El Gran Senor has 52% winners.
I thought that was good?

Merger himself won his first race only and he placed 2nd six times out of 13 starts. No claiming races.

Now I know him enough to know he didn't win more and placed 2nd so many times: because he is not a natural leader - he is a follower.
Even in my yard he follows people or horses and gentemanly gives way thru gates etc.
I guess that would be something his trainer and jockey would have had to help him with...?

What would be considered a good winner ratio for parents of a colt to keep him intact and breed him?

Thanks.

[cng]

Merger's sire Mr. Greeley's - 53% of his progeny won a race and his dam's sire El Gran Senor has 52% winners.
I thought that was good?

Merger himself won his first race only and he placed 2nd six times out of 13 starts. No claiming races.

Now I know him enough to know he didn't win more and placed 2nd so many times: because he is not a natural leader - he is a follower.
Even in my yard he follows people or horses and gentemanly gives way thru gates etc.
I guess that would be something his trainer and jockey would have had to help him with...?

What would be considered a good winner ratio for parents of a colt to keep him intact and breed him?

Thanks.

Family is usually considered the female line. There is not a stake winner in the first 3 dams. Followers sire followers.

[Fair Play]

It is good that you are asking, and hopefully someone will come forward with some helpful info. I picked up a mag one day and was delighted to see an older horse we had trained from 2 - 4 winning a decent level 3 day event. I hunted down the owner and started a "pen pal" relationship with her. First of all I sent the past performances to show their "lightly raced sport horse prospect's" true story. (The bought him from a jumper barn, not the track) I filled her in on his early life ( knew the breeder) illnesses and problems. The telling line of the PPs were his final race where he won, but was getting out badly, info you don't see in a race summary. From this we can assume he was injured there and know who to ask. If I were you, I would buy that report, see who his last trainer, owner and jockey are then hunt them down and ask your questions. Many of us are happy and relieved to find our old pals with wonderful new owners who want to give them a good chance at a new life and will help in anyway we can. Good luck in your search.

[Travis]

[quote="Fair Play"]It is good that you are asking, and hopefully someone will come forward with some helpful info. quote]

Thank You Fair Play for fair suggestion.
I bought Merger's PP record and it doesn't say anything about his finish, except he was 4th "off slowly, 3 wide".
I also watched the race on-line - it was really exciting to hear the announcer and watch my now sweet cudly backyard horse run ferociously in a race!
His last jockey was Shaun Bridgmohan and trainer Steve Asmussen, I would love to email them and see what they remember about my horse but I can't find any email or phone contact for them. I assume they keep their privacy... but it would be nice if they allowed their former horse new owners some communication.
I also emailed Merger's breeders and unfortunatelly they didn't answer

I have some pictures of Merger how he looks now and since he came to my farm here on my photo page:
http://www.styxpix.com/Horses/Merger/66 ... mMN#P-1-15

I am so proud of having him, I've watched all his races that are available on line; and I would like to help him stay sound in his current life off the track.

[Fair Play]

He is adorable. I hope someone will approach his contacts for you and get some answers. Good luck.