Thoroughbred Racing has witnessed many remarkable horses. These horses have left their hoofprints in history with their blistering displays of speed on the racetrack. Names that come to mind are Secretariat, Justify, War Admiral, and Seattle Slew. These four thoroughbreds and nine others have won the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. However, many other horses have also seen success in one of the three prestigious races. One such horse, who denied the late War Emblem a shot at Triple Crown glory, breathed his last at the age of 24.

Ten years after that race for the ages, the dark bay was the first thoroughbred classic race winner to retire to the farm after earning $773,832. After 11 years at the Old Friends Equine, the horse breathed his last due to medical complications.

An August Belmont Trophy winner crosses the rainbow bridge

Born to Wild Again and Rythem of Life in 1999, Sarava was bred by Timber Bay Farms. His name means ‘Good Luck’ in Brazilian. The tragic news of his death was shared by the Old Friends Farms. As per the report of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Sarava suffered a leg fracture and complications arose from it due to which he was euthanized. The 2002 Belmont Stakes winner’s demise will have resurfaced memories about his life and time on the racetrack that began in Europe.

The then two-year-old didn’t finish in the money, before heading back to the States and coming under the training of Burk Kessinger. He won at Churchill Downs on November 21, 2001. In 2002, he was transferred to a new trainer, Ken McPeek. Under him, Sarava won his first stakes race at Pimlico, the Sir Barton Stakes. But the best was yet to come, for which Sarava would be remembered forever in history.

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After claiming the Woodlawn Vase and Kentucky Derby Trophy, most of the 103,222 people at Belmont Park may have expected War Emblem to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed (1978). That did not happen as War Emblem only crossed the line in eighth, ensuring that over a hundred thousand people in attendance witnessed an upset.

Despite being at odds of 70-1, Sarava, ridden by Hall of Fame Jockey Edgar Prado, crossed the line half a length ahead of Medaglia d’Oro.

He last took part in Breeders’ Cup Handicap in 2006 at Saratoga where he claimed the sixth position and retired after that. In his entire career, Sarava had 13 starts, of which he won three races and finished second in three others. The horse’s death was heart-striking news for his fans, owners, and most importantly, the jockey who rode him at Belmont 21 years back.

Belmont equestrian jockey remembers Sarava

Hall of Fame equestrian Edgar Prado, who recently retired, remembered Sarava. The Peruvian said, “As everybody knows, he gave me one of the biggest thrills of my career. When I moved to New York, he gave me my first Triple Crown winner. Everybody will remember him, not only for that, but as one of the biggest longshots in history to win the race.”

“I was glad to see him recently at Old Friends. But I think the most important thing is that in the last years of his life, he’s spent quality time among so many good people that showed him love, showed him respect and admiration for what he has done for horse racing. It’s tough to see him go, but I think he felt the love from all the staff at Old Friends who did a super job.”

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Sarava’s death is a piece of tragic news and that he was euthanized makes it worse. But the horse over his equestrian career had earned many admirers and well-wishers who will remember him forever for what he gave them.

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