Rompaway Beau was retired in style at Pompano Park on Wednesday night (Dec. 30), as the 14-year-old warrior — soon to be 15 — has reached the age of mandatory retirement.
The gallant warrior didn’t win his 302nd career start ... but he did get a cheque with a fifth-place finish to close out his lifetime bankroll at $547,819 to go along with his 1:53.4 lifetime mark over the seven-eighths-mile oval at Harrah's Hoosier Park seven years ago.
A 2006 foal by Chip Chip Hooray out of the N V Worthy mare Rompaway Stacey, Rompaway Beau won 68 times during his gritty career and enjoyed but one season with earnings over $100,000 — in 2012 when he earned $105,207.
“He was just a grand racehorse that travelled all around doing his job,” related Don Harmon. “He must’ve competed at well over 40 tracks, and gave all he could every time he went behind the starting gate. We have had him all along these years since his first start back in 2008. He was extremely well mannered and rarely — if ever — made a break.”
How true, In his 302 lifetime starts, his charted lines show only one single race when Rompaway Beau made a miscue, and that was caused by interference, according to Don Harmon.
Owner Krista Harmon lamented:
“He may not have been the fastest and he might not have won a million dollars, but he gave us millions of wonderful moments that we will cherish for our lifetime. He was truly one of the family and he'll be with us in retirement wherever we go.
“Retirement includes rest and relaxation, along with some trail riding and tender, loving care. He truly has earned it!”
(Pompano Park)