A tale of two 11-year-olds - one retired, the other just resting

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Stormy Rush has been retired to a life of leisure, but Woodbine’s other venerable 11-year-old, Occasional View, could be back for another campaign next year if all is well.

Stormy Rush was claimed by trainer Lorne Richards for True North Stable for $62,500 in September 2012. He went on to win seven races for them, most notably the $75,000 Lincoln Stakes at Gulfstream in 2014.

Stormy Rush started four times this year, winning his season opener in the first leg of the Woodbine Turf Sprint Series. The 11-time winner wound up second in the final race of his 46-start career, in a $25,000 claimer on Oct. 11. After due consideration, Richards said the gelding was bestowed to 13-year-old Naomi Chapin for a show horse.

“I wanted to make sure we got a good place for him when he finally did retire,” Richards said. “When [Chapin] was 10, we told her she could have the horse when he retired. He got a really good home. He’s the perfect horse for her, because she can learn along with him. He’s pretty nice-looking and athletic.”

A son of Stormy Atlantic, Richards said Stormy Rush retired sound.

“He could have run next year, but it’s not like he was going to improve,” Richards said. “He’s only going to start declining at his age. I didn’t want to run him for less than $25,000. He’s one of our all-time favorites. He’s a classy horse to be around. We did a lot of traveling with him, going to Saratoga, Florida, and Penn National.”

Kevin Attard has trained the popular Occasional View since the spring of 2017. After going winless in eight starts last year, the gelding won 4 of 6 outings this year, on turf and the Tapeta. He earned an 88 Beyer Speed Figure when capturing his Dec. 7 season finale in an optional starter. It was his 18th victory from 61 starts.

“He just went to the farm,” Attard said. “He’s healthy enough to come back and run next year. We’ll see how he winters and then make a decision. He’s had a great year. He really loves his job. He looks great. He’s just in his element, really.”

Attard has lots of admiration for the son of Silver Deputy, who is owned by SGR Racing. His previous trainers included Mac Benson, Graham Motion, Mark Fournier, and Ken McPeek, who claimed him for $100,000 in October 2013 at Keeneland.

“A horse like him, when they get to this age and can still compete, you gain a new respect for them,” Attard said. “I definitely have a special spot for him. I wouldn’t let anything negative happen to him, that’s for sure.”