Caros Love, U.S. record holder and sire, dies at age 29

California sire Caros Love, a multiple stakes winner who set the U.S. record for the fastest two-turn dirt mile, was euthanized May 31 at Rancho San Roberto Farm in Bakersfield, Calif., due to complications from the infirmities of old age. He was 29 years old.

The son of Caro, bred in California by E. L. Allee Ranch, was a multiple stakes winner during his racing career in the late 1980s, winning seven of 19 starts for earnings of $199,486. His most notable wins came in the Temperence Hill Handicap at Louisiana Downs and the On Trust Handicap at Hollywood Park, both in 1987.

The following year, Caros Love completed the one-mile Big Jess Overnight Handicap at Golden Gate Fields in 1:33 flat, setting a new U.S. record for a two-turn mile, previously held by Triple Crown winner Citation. The overall U.S. record remained with Dr. Fager, who completed a one-turn mile in 1:32 1/5 seconds at Arlington Park in 1968.

Caros Love was out of the multiple stakes-winning Northern Jove mare Lady Jove, who produced five winners from six foals to race. He was a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Arctic Point and stakes-placed winner Musical Director.

Caros Love retired from racing in 1988, first standing at Rio Vista Ranch, then relocating to Rancho San Roberto. He sired 116 foals from 21 crops, highlighted by Grade 3-placed multiple stakes winner Arrivederci Baby and stakes winners Fantasy of Caro and Lucy T.