by Steve Schuelein

Lava Man, one of the leading handicap horses in the nation during the past four years, has been “unofficially retired,” trainer Doug O’Neill and co-owner Steve Kenly said Monday at Del Mar.

Lava Man, a seven-year-old gelding, finished last in a field of six in the $400,000 Eddie Read Handicap (G1) on Sunday. The Eddie Read was his sixth straight defeat during the last 12 months. He won 17 of 46 races and earned $5,268,706 during an illustrious career.

“Doug [O’Neill], Jason [Wood], and I still have to huddle up during the next week,” said Kenly, who as part of STD Racing Stable claimed Lava Man for $50,000 out of a turf race at Del Mar in August 2004 and watched him rise to become one of the brightest stars in California racing history.

Lava Man won the Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (G1) three times, the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) twice, and the Pacific Classic (G1) once.

“It’s been beyond words, a fairy tale for sure,” Kenly said of the four-year run. “We claimed him out of a turf race down here, and now it looks like his last start will have been in a turf race here.”

Lava Man faded after challenging for the lead at the top of the stretch in the Eddie Read.

“He blew his right front shoe at the first turn,” Kenly said. “He ran a mile with no shoe. He’s looked better than he has all year.”

O’Neill echoed Kenly’s sentiments.

“He only lost by three lengths and was third in a three-horse photo in a Grade 1 in the start before,” O’Neill said. “We were obviously disappointed in the Eddie Read. It’s frustrating because he was training so well and looks so good.”

Retirement plans are pending.

“Ultimately, I’d like him to go to the Kentucky Horse Park,” Kenly said. “Doug [O’Neill] would like him to stay as a stable pony.” 

Steve Schuelein is a California-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent