The horse racing community has witnessed remarkable equine athletes in action over the years. With every passing year, hundreds of names make an entry into the industry. But quite a few of these majestic creatures shun the world with their names in their career span of 3-4 years. The 3-year-old Colt, Practical Move was one such horse, delivering marvelous races to the wire.

The Kentucky-bred colt had a career presence of 2 years in the racing industry. Practical Move owned multiple grade stakes wins to his name throughout his career. However, as he was headed for a brilliant addition at the Breeders’ Cup, Practical Move was met with an unfortunate incident at Santa Anita. Though he passed on from the grounds, the colt left behind a name and trail to be remembered.

Venturing into horse racing for the first time

Practical Move was sired out of multiple Grade 1 winner Practical Joke and purchased for $230,000 at the OBS Spring Sale. The Colt was co-owned by 4 equestrians who brought him to the race grounds on 13th August 2022. His first race was at the Del Mar Racetrack on a 6 1/2 furlong Dirt Track. Trained by California-based trainer, Tim Yakteen Practical Move placed second on his debut; right behind American Pharoah-winner Cave Rock.

A month later, the Colt faced yet another disappointment as he headed to his 2nd career run back at Del Mar Racetrack. This time, the equine slipped down to a third behind National Treasure and Massimo in a 10-horse start. However, though the results weren’t to one’s expectations, Practical Move was only just marking the beginning of his near-perfect career of the future runs.

A memorable first win of the late horse

After earning placings in the first 2 runs of his career, a race at Santa Anita was a breakthrough for the then 2-year-old. In October last year, Practical Move raced 8 other horses to the wire to ultimately clench his first career win. Race 6 at Santa Anita hosted the beloved equine among the rest. However, it wasn’t a smooth sailing start for the Juan J. Hernandez-led horse.

On the 1-mile dirt track, Nullarbor took an early lead to the race. Though the equine held onto the spot for most of the race, the rest raced to show how the sport held the excitement it did. After a close fight between Fort Bragg and Practical Move 7/8 in, the final line was for the former to cross first. But an interference forced Fort Bragg towards disqualification; handing Practical Move his first win of a 3-start career. From then on, it was a winning streak road for the equine.

Successful 2023 run

Practical Move had two more successful runs in 2022 before he headed for career-defining next. A win at the Santa Anita pushed the equine for a spot at the 2022 Bob Hope, Grade 3 race. Racing 4 more best in the category, Practical Move placed 3rd in his first Graded stakes. The run was further followed by a step up at Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity. On the 1 1/16 Mile, Dirt-Fast, the 2-year-old left behind previous rivals Fort Bragg and Caramel Road to earn a win. If that was an exciting moment for the team, the next races held even more.

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He kicked start his 2023 course with a Grade 2 San Felipe win at Santa Anita. Practical Move bested Geaux Rocket Ride to turn heads in the industry on the 1 1/16 mile dirt track. Trailing along after the win was the equine’s first even Grade 1 stakes. On the 8th of April, Practical Move made a spectacular start for the 1 1/18 Mile dirt track at Santa Anita Derby. Japan’s Mandarin Hero fell short of Practical Move who clocked the time at 1:48.69.

Practical Move’s consecutive impressive performance put him on the radar of Kentucky Derby favorites. Unfortunately, the champ was brought down with a fever that not only led him to miss the derby but go on a 7-month break. After recovering, the 3-year-old made a staggering comeback at Santa Anita in an allowance optional. Practical Move ran his last-ever race on October 6th to claim a comfortable 4-length victory on the 1-mile dirt track.

The tragic moment in horse racing before the Breeders’ Cup

Practical Move had made an entry for the Dirt Mile at the Breeders’ Cup. Owning to the position, the equine was on the grounds of Santa Anita on October 31st for training when he collapsed. A spectator in the stands during the session stated that Practical Move was jogging back on the outer rail after an energetic gallop. However, while walking back, the 3-year-old just collapsed. “He was there and suddenly he wasn’t,” the enthusiast remarked.

Following the incident, Practical Move received immediate assistance from the medical team. But unfortunately, the cardiac arrest got to him before any treatment. The incident evoked a response from Breeders’ Cup, who wrote, “Breeders’ Cup is saddened to report the loss of Practical Move after what is suspected to be a cardiac event while returning from his gallop this morning at Santa Anita Park.” 

The release further stated that the organization works in close administration with the governing bodies to implement safety regulations. “These processes are in place to protect the wellbeing of our human and equine athletes, and Breeders’ Cup is committed to continuously improving the ecosystem of care surrounding every horse.”; reports Paulick Report.

Practical Move exited the grounds with $923,200 in career earnings and 5 wins to his career. The equine will be remembered for his legacy and the presence he implored in the horse racing community for years.

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