Love That Red

[UmmYeah]

All of this discussion of Full Moon Madness has inspired me to start a separate thread about another old gelding, Love That Red. He's ten now, but back in 1999 and 2000 he was running in (and frequently winning) graded stakes races. In fact, at that time, he and FMM would routinely run against each other and would offer run 1-2. By the end of 2000, his four-year-old year, he had racked up quite an impressive record: 9 wins in 19 starts, earning over $800K.

Then he got a layoff. For FIVE years. He showed up again at the end of last year in a $40K claimer at Hollywood Park. He broke slowly and never really threatened. After a five-year layoff, I guess you could say he was a little short. He's had two more races since then, dropping slightly in class each time, most recently in a $25K claimer at SA last Saturday. So far he hasn't embarassed himself in any of those races, but he also hasn't looked like a horse that was a one-time graded stakes winner. That's to be expected, certainly, when you take five years off; you'll probably need a race (or three or five) to get back into the groove.

But it just made me wonder. What's his story? Why the long layoff? And why the return? No one plans to give a horse five years off, so something must have happened? Was he retired to a life of leisure and then his owners had to sell him for one reason or another? Did his new owners get greedy and expect him to be competitive after being away for so long? There HAS to be a story behind him.

Louis, any insight? His trainer is Gary Stute and the owner is listed as Terry Wells. Like Full Moon Madness, I'd love to see this old guy treated well.

[Indychase]

The story I heard, from TVG I think, is that his owner saw him running around the paddock and thought he warranted another shot as a racehorse. It's the same owner he's alway had. He broke a sesamoid or something which is why he retired the first time round.

The last time he ran one of the HRTV guys said he overheard Stute in the paddock saying if he doesn't run well this time he may be re-retired, so I'm wondering if he did get to go back home or if they're going to take another shot.

[UmmYeah]

Well, it doesn't look like they're going to retired him quite yet. He just worked out yesterday: 4F in 51.80.

[UmmYeah]

He's entered in a $10K claimer tomorrow at Santa Anita. I wish the old boy luck.

[wen8t]

This horse should be retired he made over 780,201 what else does he have to prove , I just don't understand it maybe I'm wrong , I just don't see the point. HE SHOULD BE RETIRED.

[Sam]

He's entered in a $10K claimer tomorrow at Santa Anita. I wish the old boy luck.

Maybe we'll get lucky and someone will snatch him up and turn him into a saddle horse.

[sunday_silence]

He was retired for years and got sick of it. The owner said he was running around like crazy at the farm. He's happier at the track. It'd be a shame if he broke down, but if the horse is enjoying himself, who are we to say he shouldn't be out there?

[UmmYeah]

As long as he's happy, that's the key. It's just kinda sad to see a GSW running in $10K claimers.

[magic code]

What was the old turf horse who was retired and came back to run, and broke down in a $5k claimer? OK By Me? His owners said he died doing what he loved. That said, they could just make Love That Red a stable pony.

[sunday_silence]

If he still wants to run, he isn't going to like being a stable pony. Not all of them will adapt to that.

[UmmYeah]

Well, it looks like he ran well. Finished second, by less than a length. He wasn't claimed, but the winner was.

[sunday_silence]

I kind of doubt anyone will claim him. They know the story.

[ragsdaj]

if the horse still wants to run there are other events that would be better for him; endurance for one, competitive trail..... Just because the horse has some energy doesn't mean he wants to run the 1.5 mile breeders classic. With what this horse has done the owner should list him at a Canter site and find a rider that needs to burn some energy.

[UmmYeah]

I kind of doubt anyone will claim him. They know the story.

I kind of doubt it too, but I wouldn't rule it out either. If Full Moon Madness can get claimed, I think it's possible that this old guy could too.

[Tairaterces]

10yo Love that Red is entered today, Mar. 11th, in a $16K clmr, 1st Race @SA.