Pessin keeps Happy American after Lothenbach dispersal

Most of trainer Neil Pessin’s 22-horse stable went up for sale when the late owner-breeder Bob Lothenbach’s racing and breeding stock was dispersed at the Lothenbach horses of racing age dispersal on Fasig-Tipton Digital in late January. While Pessin is down to nine horses, three are running on the Saturday card at Fair Grounds, including Happy American, one of several horses with a decent chance in the Grade 3, $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes.

Pessin himself paid $340,000 to acquire Happy American, a 6-year-old gelding with more than $600,000 in career earnings.

“I own him at the moment. I’m looking for partners,” Pessin said.

One thing Pessin is not actively seeking is more horses, which is not to say Pessin isn’t hoping to increase his numbers.

“I’ve never actually asked people for horses and I’m not going to start now,” said Pessin, 64. “If people want to send me horses, I’ll take them. I had some offers to train a couple 2-year-olds but that’s probably not until June or July.”

Happy American was third, beaten a half-length for second but more than six lengths behind victorious Saudi Crown, in the Jan. 20 Louisiana Stakes. No horse in Saudi Crown’s league figures among the nine Mineshaft entrants.

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