The Tin Man, who has spent the last several months recovering from a fractured knee at Santa Anita Park, has been sent to Martin and Pam Wygod’s River Edge Farm near Buellton, Calif., for his retirement.
Trained throughout his career by Richard Mandella, the multi-millionaire injured his knee while coming out of anesthesia following a surgical procedure last October.
“He’s such a nice, beautiful horse, and he’s probably one of the kindest horses you could ever have the pleasure of being around,” said River Edge farm manager Russell Drake, who added that The Tin Man had arrived at the farm April 14.
The 10-year-old gelding by Affirmed, who was campaigned as a homebred by Aury and Ralph Todd, has been previously turned out at River Edge during breaks from racing, so he is already accustomed to the farm. The Todds also keep several of their broodmares and foals at River Edge.
“He’s had trouble with that knee…it has definitely cramped his lifestyle a little bit, but he gets around fairly well,” said Drake. “Right now, I’ve got him out in a big, grass paddock, and his main thing is to just eat and be happy for awhile. He’s just one of those upbeat little guys that loves to eat grass, be in the sun, and have a good time.”
Drake said The Tin Man’s movement had been somewhat constricted because of calcium deposits that have formed in his knee.
“We’re thinking about maybe seeing if there’s something we can do veterinary-wise that will help him have a little more comfortable life,” Drake explained. “I’ve had him in the paddock quite a few times, and he’s usually just full of energy, racing up and down the paddock, but he’s a little bit slower than that right now.
“He’s been a very wonderful horse for the Todds, and (Richard) did a good job taking care of him and made his life a very interesting one at the track," Drake continued. "So he’s had a pretty good life. I’d just like for him to have a better one in the end.”
The Tin Man finished his career with a record of 13-8-2 from 31 starts and earnings of more than $3.6 million. The gelding, who scored stakes victories at 4, 5, 8, and 9, found the winner's circle for the final time in last year’s Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park.
