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Originally Posted by my miss storm cat
YEA! He's an Ambassador! 
BH.....
Ellis Park President Purchases 17-year-old Alpena Magic
(Edited press release)
After Alpena Magic scratched from Wednesday's entries at Ellis Park, track president Ron Geary announced he had privately purchased the 17-year-old from his owner Kenneth Robinette.
“It’s time for a new career for Alpena Magic,” said Geary. “This horse enjoys being around people and the racetrack. His new role will allow him to be our “equine ambassador” for our new Early at Ellis and backside tour programs.”
Retired from racing with over $200,000 in earnings, Alpena Magic was trained by Bill Hicks. Alpena Magic was originally retired at age 15, but retirement didn’t suit him, and he became so depressed those around him didn’t think he would survive. Hicks brought Alpena Magic back to the races and back to a healthy mentality.
Geary was excited to add a new member to his team at Ellis. “I applaud the owner and trainer of this horse for allowing us to give him a new life here at Ellis Park,” he said.
Alpena Magic will begin his new career this Saturday as a featured guest at the track’s family-focused Early at Ellis program. |
Really looks like both the connections and the owner of the track were doing what they thought was best. On one hand, the owner/trainer saw the horse was depressed away from the track and thought even a leisurely jog in a claimer would be better than seeing the animal depressed or worse.
Then, of course, Ron Geary does a great thing in buying him.