Lava Man: 46 starts, 17 wins, 8 seconds, 5 thirds. Earnings of $5,268,706. Won or Placed in 21 stakes, including 13 graded stakes.

Photo: Benoit

First Graded Stakes win in the Californian (gr. II), June 18, 2005.

Photo: Benoit

In command in the 2005 Hollywood Gold Cup.

Photo: Benoit

Cruising to victory in the Sunshine Millions Classic.

Photo: Benoit

Lava Man and jockey Corey Nakatani, outside, hold off Magnum and Jon Court, inside, to win the Santa Anita Handicap.

Photo: Benoit

Trainer Doug O'Neill and Jockey Corey Nakatani shared many of Lava Man's triumphs.

Photo: Benoit

The 2006 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap, Lava Man adds "grade I winner on turf," to his resume.

Photo: Benoit

Lava Man prevails by a nose over Ace Blue to take the Hollywood Gold Cup for the 2nd straight year.

Photo: Benoit

Getting his nose in front of Ace Blue at the wire in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Photo: Benoit

The 2006 Pacific Classic, another grade I win for Lava Man.

Photo: Benoit

Victory in the Pacific Classic on August 20, 2006, as Lava Man becomes the first horse to sweep Southern California's centerpieces races, the Pacific Classic, the Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park, and the Santa Anita Handicap at Santa Anita Park.

Photo: Benoit

Lava Man outruns Brother Derek to take the Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap.

Photo: Benoit

Taking control in the Goodwood.

Photo: Benoit

At the head of the pack in the Sunshine Millions Turf.

Photo: Benoit

Doing his part for Californian pride in the Sunshine Millions Turf.

Photo: Benoit

Holding off Molengao to win the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) for the the 2nd time in 2007

Photo: Benoit

Pulling away in the Santa Anita Handicap.

Photo: Benoit

Lava Man fights off A. P. Xcellent to join Native Diver as winner of 3-straight Hollywood Gold Cups.

Photo: Benoit

Lava Man and Corey Nakatani receiving the rewards of a third straight Hollywood Gold Cup triumph.

Photo: Benoit

Lava Man made his most recent start on July 20, 2008 in the Eddie Read Handicap, where he tired and finished last. First time by, however, he looked like his old self.

Photo: Benoit

Lava Man was at home on the dirt,

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

the turf,

Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN

and artificial surfaces.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

We won't soon forget the name Lava Man, California Horse of the Year in 2005 and 2006.

Photo: Benoit