Best Pal

Sire:

Habitony

Grand Sire:

Habitat

Dam:

King Pellinore

Dam Sire:

Ubetshedid

Sex:

Gelding

Foaled:

1988

Birth Date:

2/12/88

Death Date:

11/24/98

Breeder:

John & Betty Mabee

Owner(s):

Golden Eagle Farm

Trainer(s):

Gary Jones

Jockey(s):

Gary Lynn Stevens
Kent Jason Desormeaux

Record:

47:18-11-4

Earnings:

$5,668,240

Major Race Wins

Hollywood Futurity (1990)

Del Mar Futurity (1990)

Norfolk Stakes (1990)

Balboa Stakes (1990)

Pacific Classic Stakes (1991)

Swaps Stakes (1991)

Santa Anita Handicap (1992)

Charles H. Strub Stakes (1992)

Oaklawn Handicap (1992)

San Fernando Stakes (1992)

Hollywood Gold Cup (1993)

California Cup Classic (1993)

Native Diver Handicap (1994)

San Antonio Handicap (1995)

Awards / Honors

California Horse of the Year (1990, 1991, 1992)

General

Best Pal was a champion racehorse, who to this day holds the record for purses of any California-bred racehorse, earning his owners, the Golden Eagle Farm, US$5.6 million over his lifetime.

A descendant of Princequillo on both his sire's and dam's line, Best Pal won the first running of the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, and finished second in the 1991 Kentucky Derby as well as in the 1991 and 1995 Santa Anita Derby and won the California Gold Cup at Hollywood Park Racetrack.

Retired in 1996, Best Pal had a massive heart attack while on his way to a training track at Golden Eagle Farm. He was buried at the farm, and a large boulder with a plaque covers his grave.

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