Graded stakes winner Budroyale euthanized at age 29

Budroyale, who won 17 of 52 starts in a seven-year career from 1995 to 2001 throughout the West Coast, was euthanized earlier this month because of age-related infirmities at the age of 29.

In retirement, Budroyale resided at a farm in Langley, British Columbia, and his presence there meant even more than the track victories for owner Jeffrey Sengara.

“He handled his retirement like a champion,” an emotional Sengara recalled Sunday. “Some of them go into retirement and they don’t take it so well.

“He was at such a fantastic and beautiful farm. The staff adored him and admired him.

“He was like a bond for my family. He gave us so much more than the victories.”

Sengara said that Budroyale’s health had deteriorated in recent months.

“He gave us a scare in August,” said Sengara, who resides in Vancouver. “It was really hot up here. He didn’t take to it. He pulled through it.

“This last week, he took a really bad turn and he was having a difficult time getting around. We didn’t want him to be in any pain.

“We made the decision to listen to the vet. He was having a difficult time walking.”

Claimed for $50,000 in March 1998, Budroyale won eight stakes for Sengara. He was initially trained by Ted West and later by his son, Ted H. West.

Budroyale raced primarily in California and had his final start at Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif., in 2001.

A gelding by Cee’s Tizzy, Budroyale won such races as the Grade 2 San Bernardino Handicap at Santa Anita in April 1998, two races after being claimed, and the $250,000 California Cup Classic for statebreds at Santa Anita later that year.

Budroyale was in his best form in the second half of 1999, winning the Grade 3 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs and the Grade 2 Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Santa Anita in consecutive starts before finishing second by 1 1/4 lengths at odds of 26-1 to 19-1 Cat Thief in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Gulfstream Park.

Sengara, who has a stable with trainer Craig Dollase based at Santa Anita, said he and his family made frequent visits to Canmor Farms to see Budroyale in retirement, often finding him in the company of another retired racehorse.

“He always had a friend,” Sengara said. “It made all the difference in the world.”