Pink Lloyd likely to race for one more season, then head off to LongRun

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – When his racing days are over, the incomparable Pink Lloyd will probably take up residence at LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society’s Ontario farm, according to trainer Robert Tiller, who said the 7-year-old gelding is slated for one more campaign after winning his season finale in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes.

“Pink Lloyd came out of the race extremely good,” Tiller said. “He’s happy and very sound. He’ll be leaving soon for Paul Buttigieg’s farm, where he’s spent his last five off-seasons. The game plan is to race him again next year. Time will tell, but it will probably be his last kick at the can racing. There’s no reason to retire him at this stage. He’s doing very well.”

Pink Lloyd put together a perfect 6-for-6 season, all stakes, this year, while earning $501,000. The lone blemish was when he was declared a non-starter for popping the gate early in the Sept. 14 Bold Venture. Even after missing the break in that Grade 3 stakes, he came from seventh to finish a close fourth under Eurico Da Silva.

“We had the one unfortunate incident,” Tiller said. “As the gate opened, he reared and went backwards, and got left 10 lengths. I think he should have won that race from here to San Jose.”

Tiller was impressed with Pink Lloyd’s performance in the Nov. 23 Kennedy Road. Pink Lloyd emerged from traffic to circle the field on the turn and win by 1 1/4 lengths, with a 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

“I thought his last race was absolutely spectacular,” Tiller said. “He was in so much trouble. I really believe he can be the Horse of the Year. I’ll be disappointed if he isn’t. As far as I’m concerned, he’s the greatest sprinter that I’ve seen in my lifetime.”

Pink Lloyd was the Canadian Horse of the Year in 2017, when he went 8 for 8 as part of a remarkable 11-race win streak in stakes that carried over into 2018. His overall record is 22 wins from 27 starts for earnings of $1,731,830.

“We’ve got to know him pretty well,” Tiller said. “How he likes to train. What’s good and bad for him. He makes a mountain out of a mole hill. I think my old gray hairs helped me there.”

Tiller said he must still consult with the members of owner Entourage Stable before finalizing retirement plans for Pink Lloyd, who is a son of Old Forester.

“LongRun wants him, and we’re happy they want him,” Tiller said. “I would think he’d be a tourist attraction. When the day comes, I think it will be a great retirement for him. They do a great job.”