17-year-old entered in race at Ellis Park

[Milleruszk]

Alpena Magic might not be that fast anymore but the Alabama bred is sound.
He has been off since finishing last in a race at Hoosier Park in November 2005. He has won 16 times in 154 lifetime starts.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/86547.html

[ghostyapper]

I'm afraid to hear what those demanding funny cide's retirement have to say about this one :eek:

[Dan Montilion]

Sounds like good news for War Emblem.

[ryesteve]

This makes me wonder if there's ever been a horse entered who was older than the jockey riding him...

[tomcalta]

This makes me wonder if there's ever been a horse entered who was older than the jockey riding him... haha

Isnt there an age limit for horses racing in KY?

[BIG RED]

Can someone find out if there is a rule nationally on age limit.

I thought I once heard, T~Breds, the age limit was 15? Maybe after that they have to be well inspected, don't know, but 17 is up there :sleeping:

[Lasix1]

Can someone find out if there is a rule nationally on age limit.
I'm pretty sure there are no national standards on age and the matter is decided state-by-state.

[Tom]

I think 15 is tops in NY.

[tomcalta]

I think its the same for Jersey TBs. I think its 13 for SBs.

[facorsig]

Does Birmingham Turf Club appear anywhere in his past history? As an Alabama-bred, he would have been eligible for those competitive Alabama-bred races. BTW, has there ever been a great Alabama-bred?Fred

[Bob G]

Standardbreds can race through December 31st of their 14th year. After that, they can only race in "matinee" (non wagering, non purse) events.

Every state has different rules about maximum age for thoroughbreds. In some, like Louisiana, a horse can race past a certain age as long as it can finish in the money during the calendar year.

[Zman179]

A 15 year old, Hermosilla, ran third in the 5th race at Wyoming Downs last Sunday for $3,200 claimers.

Break out the Geritol. :kiss:

[46zilzal]

Shades of a "look at me" (Rick's Natural Star) maneuver.

[jotb]

I think its the same for Jersey TBs. I think its 13 for SBs.

In Charles Town any horse 13 and over will be allowed to start in West Virginia, by special permission of the stewards, provided each horse has won a recognized flat race the previous year.

Joe

[Ron]

Ellis Park President Purchases 17-year-old Alpena Magic
Date Posted: July 11, 2007
Last Updated: July 11, 2007

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Edited press release

After Alpena Magic scratched from Wednesday's entries at Ellis Park, track president Ron Geary announced he had privately purchased the 17-year-old from his owner, Kenneth Robinette.

“It’s time for a new career for Alpena Magic,” said Geary, who purchased the western Kentucky racetrack last year. “This horse enjoys being around people and the racetrack. His new role will allow him to be our 'equine ambassador' for our new 'Early at Ellis' and backside tour programs."

Retired from racing with more than $200,000 in earnings, Alabama-bred Alpena Magic was trained by Bill Hicks. Alpena Magic originally was retired at age 15, but retirement didn’t suit him, and he became so depressed that those around him didn’t think he would survive. Hicks brought Alpena Magic back to the races and back to a healthy mentality.

Geary was excited to add a new member to his team at Ellis. “I applaud the owner and trainer of this horse for allowing us to give him a new life here at Ellis Park,” he said.

Alpena Magic will begin his new career this Saturday as a featured guest at the track’s family-focused Early at Ellis program.

Copyright © 2007 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

[jognlope]

Story about him at 14:


http://www.bsu.edu/web/akalexander/magic.html

[Milleruszk]

Another feather in Ron Geary's cap! People who know him praise him for being a true horse racing fan. Purchasing this horse only proves their point further. A great ending to this story. :jump:

[ElegantHorse]

Too bad that they couldn't get R.A. (Cowboy) Jones to ride him. But Cowboy retired last year. I believe that he was close to 70 years old.


By the way, does anyone remember Maxwell G? He raced in Chicago back in the 70's. He may have been as old as 16 or 17 and he was still winning. AND still getting CLAIMED! I believe that Arlington Park has a stake named after him.

[jognlope]

Then I guess I won't worry about riding my QH in 4H next age at his age of 19, not giving my age!!! (I'm old enough to have bought a can of Campbell soup for 17 cents, a gallon of gas or packs for 35 cents and an Orange ade and Babe ruth bar for 15 cents.)

[joanied]

:) :) :)
Excellent story...made my day that we still have great folks in the industry that love the horses enough to do right by them...no doubt Alpena will be a great success at his new job and continue to be a happy horse!!

Thanks for posting the story.

[DanG]

Thanks for posting that Ron. Hats off to Ron Geary!!! :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: