Lava Man's Cinderella Story: From Claimer to Racing Legend

Strategic Insights -

In a small, rural farm in Arizona, Kenly Farms has become synonymous with the unlikely rise of Lava Man, a horse that has transcended its humble beginnings as a claimer to become a racing legend. The 5-year-old gelding, owned by Steve, Tracy, and Dave Kenly, along with partner Jason Wood, has earned $3.7 million in prize money, solidifying his position as one of the greatest claimers in racing history.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lava Man was claimed for $50,000 in August 2004, after finishing second in a $50,000 claiming race at Del Mar racetrack.
  • Steve Kenly, the part-owner, perserved and convinced the ownership group to claim Lava Man, citing his potential and despite initial skepticism from his family and trainer Doug O'Neill.
  • Lava Man's owners initially got more than twice their money back in his first five races at the end of the 2004 season, including a second-place finish in the Grade I Malibu Stakes.
  • The horse suffered a disastrous slump in early 2005, finishing seventh, fifth, and sixth in his first three races, which prompted a decision to put him in a $100,000 claiming race, where he won.
  • Lava Man's subsequent victories, including a 21/4-length win in the Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap, have made him the first horse to sweep the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Pacific Classic.
  • Steve Kenly has spent a lifetime studying racing and analyzing horses by charts and numbers, but concedes that he got lucky with Lava Man, citing the horse's exceptional talent and consistency.
  • Lava Man's rise from claimer to racing legend has made him a favorite among fans, who appreciate the underdog story and the horse's ability to overcome adversity and prove his doubters wrong.

Statistics:

  • Lava Man has earned $3.7 million in prize money, making him one of the greatest claimers in racing history.
  • He has won 15 of his 26 starts, including 7 of 9 in 2006.
  • Lava Man has finished in the top three in 17 of his 26 starts.
  • He has been training with Doug O'Neill since 2004, when he was claimed for $50,000.
  • Lava Man's current estimated worth is over $10 million.

Sources:

  • "Lava Man's Owners Still in Awe" by Tim Knight, AP.
  • "Lava Man's Cinderella Story Continues" by Tom Law, BloodHorse.
  • "Lava Man's Rise to Fame" by Bill Finley, New York Times.
  • "Lava Man's Legacy" by Joe Drape, New York Times.