LAVA MAN lands historic Hollywood Gold Cup Victory.
Lava Man, conceding 9 pounds to AP Excellent as the 124 pound highweight, pushed that rival every inch of the Hollywood Park stretch to score a record equalling third consecutive victory in the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup.
Lava Man raced comfortably off the rail, charged to the lead leaving the turn but found he had a willing opponent in pacesetter AP Excellent, who dug in gamely until Lava Man pushed his nose in front at the wire.
The six-year-old California bred gelding is trained by Doug O’Neill for owners STD Racing Stable and Jason Wood. Mr. O’Neill and his family watched from a vacation spot in Ireland as his star pushed his earnings over the Five Million mark.
Record 38-17-8-3, $5,189,706.
Congratulations from all of us at Airdrie and proud papa SLEW CITY SLEW.