Declan’s Moon Retired
Declan’s Moon in the Winner’s Circle, certainly not a recent sighting (chriswwalsh)
Although, you’d only know it you happened to read the article on Heatseeker’s Hiatus… or in my case, see in Racehorse Girl’s rss feed!
His last out was a miserable 7th and his 5th consecutive loss. The poor guy has had his share of injuries, including a mysterious breathing problem.
In recent starts, Declan’s Moon has been plagued by a breathing problem, which contributed to losses in all three of his starts this year. In Thursday’s race, Declan’s Moon, 6, led to early stretch but faded to finish 10 lengths behind race winner Mostacolli Mort.
“He can’t get his air,” Ellis said. “It was only under severe stress that it happened. We tried everything and it’s not something that can be fixed.”
I suppose it’s safe to assume that if he wasn’t a gelding that he would have been swooped right off to the shed with this first injury prior to the 2005 Derby. Maybe he would have faired better as sire than a race horse or perhaps he would have passed on his issues, we’ll never know. The good news is that he’ll have a comfortable landing:
“The Siegels will find a nice place for him to live out his life in peace and quiet,” Ellis said.
Here’s his fantastic Hollywood Futurity:
Best of luck to him for an enjoyable retirement!
Posted by dana on Jun 29 2008
Filed Under: Farewell, Geldings, 2008, YouTube, Declan's Moon, Retirement, Race Replay, Racing
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Thank goodness. It’s about time. I have been calling for his retirement for a while.
I wonder how many other precocious runners would turn out like this if they had 4 or 5-year old campaigns.
Alan - no kidding! and I should entitled the post Declan’s Moon Finally Retired… damn!
As Declan’s owner, I can tell you it has been heartbreaking to see your champion still look gorgeous, train super and be unable to win. We wanted to make sure we had given him every chance to come back the horse we loved. He will have a great life at Merryland.
Declan’s Mom - I can only imagine, and who can blame you for trying!
Believe me, I had my fingers crossed every time he started too… thanks for letting us know where he’ll be!
Great stuff
The Maryland Bred! I liked him alot. I remember calling my dad before (i think) the Del Mar Futurity and I told him “Watch this horse Roman Ruler, he’s awesome” We hung up, the race went off, and Declans Moon crushed Roman Ruler. The phone rang, it was my dad laughing his head off. Best wishes to the 2yo Eclipse award winner Declans Moon. I’ll see if I can dig up a shot of him for you….
Heatseeker has been retired as well.
SAD?! Yes. SHOCKING?! No.
Heatseeker was the best older horse in the country next to Curlin. Too bad he’s gone. If you are the BC, your Classic race isn’t looking too classic right now. I know it’s a long way off, but the handicap division is weak. If Curlin doen’t run, I hope to see the mare Zenyatta win it. It’s just wishful thinking ofcourse.
E - totally. it’s a great insight in to what it’s like on “the other side of the fence” (ownership). it must have been exactly that, heartbreaking, to see an incredible horse give you all the signals that he’s back but not be able to win.
C - lol, love that story re: you’re dad!
Clarice - sigh…
C again - wow, I would love to see Zenyatta train for the Classic. I’m so bummed that she and Nashoba’s Key will never get that re-match.
…because you’re lucky to get ONE horse of his caliber in a lifetime. Big, powerful Grade I-er was in his prime and will be missed. Wanted to see more of him.
Zenyatta in the Classic is something I hadn’t considered, but is a very interesting possibility. She’d be bigger than many of her guy rivals.
Remember Guy Smiley? http://images.wikia.com/muppet/images/8/8a/GuySmiley.jpg
I loved watching this horse, and what a great call by Vic Stauffer in the Hollywood Futurity. My wife still suspects that this race is why our son is named Declan now. I’m not sure she isn’t right. (I promise we won’t have him gelded.)