Grade 1 Winner Bolo Retired

Golden Pegasus Racing's grade 1 winner Bolo has been retired from racing, trainer Carla Gaines announced July 21 via Twitter.

The 8-year-old Temple City  gelding won the 2019 Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T) and has been a fixture on the Southern California circuit since 2014. Plans for a second career are being considered but are currently undecided, Gaines said.

"It is with pride, joy, and a heavy heart that we've decided it's time for G1W Bolo to retire from racing," she tweeted. "Thank you to all who have contributed to his prolonged success."

Bolo was bred in Kentucky by Spendthrift Farm out of the Chief Seattle mare Aspen Mountain, a half sister to the dam of 2009 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Mine That Bird and multiple grade 1 winner Dullahan. He was retired with a 6-1-4 record from 23 starts and earnings of $978,572.

Bolo began his career on turf and won the 2014 Eddie Logan Stakes in just his third start after breaking his maiden at second asking. Switched to dirt for a crack at the Triple Crown trail, he finished third in the 2015 San Felipe Stakes (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) and was 12th in the Kentucky Derby before he switched back to the lawn for the remainder of his career. He won the 2016-17 Arcadia Stakes (G2T) and competed largely in graded stakes company, including seven grade 1 turf events. His final start in a grade 1 came in the Shoemaker Mile, which he won by 1 1/4 lengths at odds of 32-1. In two starts this year, he was ninth in the July 11 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar and ninth in the June 21 American Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.

In an expanded note, Gaines shared more about the decision to call it a day on Bolo's career.

"He is happy, healthy, and sound," she wrote. "He just doesn't seem interested in racing anymore. Now 8, he's been a part of our barn since he was 2. His absence is going to leave a huge void, both (because of) his talent and his larger than life personality. He took me to my first Kentucky Derby and back-to-back Arcadia wins, (won the) G1 Shoemaker at the age of 7…the memories are endless.

"Thank you to Bolo, to his owners, our staff, jockeys—all who contributed to his prolonged success. Godspeed old friend."