Awesome Gem Retired

[deathandgravity]

http://www.westpointtb.com/news-and-blog/2012/09/21/awesome-gem-retired-from-racing

Bummer... Always had a soft spot for this guy. Seem to never get any love, but always gave 100%. (reminded me of Wilco)

Hope he enjoys retirement! :)

[NJ Stinks]

Awesome Gem deserves a nice home. :ThmbUp:

By today's standards, he was an ironhorse stakes runner.

[Fingal]

He was a top tryer, a real hard knocker, the type racing needs because he was able to stick around, one that people could follow.

One time when able to visit him at Dollase's Santa Anita barn, he said
" we keep trying to retire him after a few bad races but then he throws in a bang up one, & as long as he's sound & enjoys being here we'll keep him going."

Many top horses are kind of nippy with the leave me alone attitude which is understandable, i.e. I'm here to be a racehorse, not for you to pet. But even though there were a few in the group, he was gracious & accepted all scratches, would have eaten carrots all day if he could.

I'll miss this guy.

[horses4courses]

What a gamer!

How many times did this fella not run his race?
One in ten races - maybe.

Excellent, hard knocking, stakes horse.
Hope he enjoys his retirement.......... :ThmbUp: