Mongol Bull, 11, beating up on the youngsters
Age 11 is not too late for a racehorse’s renaissance.
From 2017 through 2020, Mongol Bull managed only two wins. Thursday at Arlington, the 11-year-old gelding won his third race in a row, easily beating a bunch of $5,000 claimers. Mongol Bull began his streak in a $10,000 claimer at Hawthorne this past spring and then won a $5,000 claimer at the Arlington meet before repeating on Thursday.
All were turf sprints, and Mongol Bull long has been a capable turf sprinter. Way back in 2014 at Keeneland, he finished second, beaten a half-length by Grade 1 winner No Nay Never, in the Grade 3 Woodford.
“He wants to compete,” said owner-trainer Brad Rainwater. “He’s on the lower level now, but he still wants to outrun somebody. And he knows when he wins – I can tell you that.”
Rainwater claimed Mongol Bull in 2013 for $20,000 from Mongolian Stable and trainer Enebish Ganbat, and Mongol Bull has gone on to win more than $300,000. Rainwater, who farms in Wayne City, a hamlet in southern Illinois, rehabilitated Mongol Bull at home when the gelding couldn’t race for the better part of two years. And Mongol Bull, when he finally decides he’s had enough racing, will be retired at the farm, likely after this season.
“This is kind of a farewell tour,” Rainwater said. “He’s a very, very smart horse, lots of personality. Everyone that knows him, likes him. He’s made a name for himself as a competitor and as an individual around the barns.”