Two-Time Breeders' Cup Sprint Winner Roy H Retired
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Roy H wins the 2017 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar
Two-time champion sprinter Roy H has been retired, trainer and co-owner Peter Miller announced June 25.
The 8-year-old son of More Than Ready landed back-to-back wins in the 2017-18 editions of the TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), and was named outstanding male sprinter at the Eclipse Awards for each of those years. Miller said the gelding will stay at the barn as a pony.
"It is with some sadness but also great joy that we announce the retirement of Roy H from racing," Miller said. "What can you say about a horse like this who has given us so many thrilling moments? He is the embodiment of class and we will definitely miss seeing him compete. Fortunately, we will not have to miss him for long as he will be retired as a barn pony and remain a very important part of our team. He is a 'favorite son' among our staff and the feeling seems to be mutual as Roy H loves to be around the other horses and loves to train."
Owned by Rockingham Ranch and Miller, Roy H retires with $3,139,765 in earnings, with a 10-5-2 record from 23 starts, including victories in nine of his final 12 races. When he captured his two Breeders' Cup wins, he was campaigned by Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen. Bred in Kentucky by Ramona Bass out of the Elusive Quality mare Elusive Diva, Roy H was a $310,000 purchase by Rockingham from Wavertree Stables' consignment to the 2014 Keeneland April 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
Roy H last raced in the Palos Verdes Stakes (G2) in January 2019 at Santa Anita Park, which he won. Connections had previously announced the horse was preparing to return to training and his most recent breeze was a three-furlong move June 19 in :37 1/5 at San Luis Rey Training Center.
KING: Two-Time Sprint Champion Roy H Trains Toward Return
The gelding's other stakes scores came in the 2017-18 editions of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (G1), the 2018 Palos Verdes, and the 2017 True North Stakes (G2).
"He gave Rockingham Ranch and me a tremendous ride," Miller said. "It was both an honor and a pleasure to train such a magnificent animal. He is sound and healthy and this seemed like the right time to make this change in his career. We've had him since he was a 2-year-old, so watching him grow and mature into a world champion has been a great gift."