Curlin feted at Churchill Downs
Retiring horse will start stud career next year
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Horse of the Year Curlin closed out his record-setting career at Churchill Downs on Saturday during a parade on the final day of the track’s Fall Meet.
The 4-year-old colt, whose career earnings of $10.5 million set a North American racing record, made his final bow in a procession from the barn of trainer Steve Asmussen to the paddock at Churchill, where he circled with the starters for the fifth race before appearing in a winner’s circle retirement ceremony.
“It’s very emotional,” said Asmussen, who led Curlin to all but one of his 11 career victories. “The things he’s done for us that we hadn’t done, everything he’s accomplished, leaves us with a great sense of pride.”
Asmussen said Curlin will leave Churchill for Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Ky., today, where he will begin his stud career next year.
“We’re so happy to see him retiring sound, 100 percent, not even slightly phased and so spectacular,” said Barbara Banke, the wife of Curlin’s majority owner, Jess Jackson. “He couldn’t be in any better health, and Jess is looking forward to seeing a lot of baby Curlins running around.”
“I wouldn’t trade this year for anything,” Banke said.