Retirement for Benny the Bull
Benny the Bull has been known as one of the best sprinters of his time. Sadly, his horse racing career has tragically been cut short due to injury, and the decision to retire him has been made. It is an unfortunate turn of events, as he was preparing to take part in the Grade 1 Forego Stakes, which is taking place at Saratoga Racecourse on Saturday. Though he cannot go any further with his racing career, Benny the Bull leaves behind a successful run and a winning legacy.
Lucky Lionel is a stallion few people have heard of. He was a Grade 2 winner before making the United States his home. One of his progeny, Hello Lucky became a graded stakes champion, but Benny the Bull became his most well known offspring. Benny the Bull was bred out of Comet Cat at Tomoka Farms in Florida. He ran for trainer, Greg James, but after winning the Iowa Sprint Handicap, IEAH Stables decided to purchase shares in Benny the Bull, transferring him to Richard Dutrow for training.
In his racing career, he has earned $2 221 630 and has won nine of his seventeen starts. He also had three placings, one second place finish and two third place finishes. Some of his biggest victories have included the Grade 1 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes, the Iowa Sprint Handicap, Grade 1 Forego Stakes, Grade 1 Gulf News Dubai Golden Shaheen, Grade 2 True North Handicap, Grade 2 Smile Sprint Handicap and the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes.
Richard Dutrow ordered x-rays to be taken on Benny the Bull after noticing a problem in his ankle. The x-rays revealed a chip in his ankle, which will be removed surgically, but Benny the Bull will not be returning to the racetrack. Michael Iavarone, of IEAH Stables, said that even though they are saddened that Benny the Bull won’t be taking part in the Forego Stakes, and that his career has come to an end, they are happy that he can retire without serious injuries and be able to live out the rest of his life. Stud plans for Benny the Bull are being discussed at present, but whatever his future holds, he will be remembered by the horse racing industry and missed by his loyal fans.
