Grade I winner Bonapaw (Sabona-Pawlova, by Nijinsky II) was euthanized at Old Friends–the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Kentucky–July 7, according to a farm release. The decision was made to euthanize the 21-year-old after developing complications arising from the neurological disease Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis.
Purchased for $6,500 by Lousiana-based brothers James and Dennis Richard, the gelding won 18 of 49 career starts while earning over $1.1 million. Listed among his biggest victories are the GI Vosburgh S., GIII Count Fleet Sprint H. and GIII Hanshin Cup H. Retired from racing in 2005, he was donated to Old Friends in 2009 by James Richard, Jr.
“We are so grateful to have had these years with Bonapaw,” said Old Friends president Michael Blowen. “He was a great race horse, and he meant so much to his owners as well as all of his many fans. Jamie even donated Bonapaw's Vosburgh Trophy to us, and we will cherish it always.”
For more information, contact Old Friends at 502-863-1775.
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