After a long and productive career, sprint specialist Men's Exclusive is close to retiring. The 10-year-old California-bred son of Exclusive Ribot has campaigned admirably among racing's top sprinters, earning $1,332,828 through 10 victories, 15 seconds and three thirds from 42 starts. There won't be many more races for Men's Exclusive, who is scheduled to make his next start at Santa Anita in the $250,000 Sprint, part of Saturday's inaugural Sunshine Millions. Trainer Wesley Ward says this will be the grand old gelding's last season.
If so, it's likely to be the last season of race-going for the horse's venerable owner, octogenarian Hartsel E. (Gene) Reed, who was born in 1920."We're ready," Ward said about Men's Exclusive, who will be ridden by 56-year-old Laffit Pincay Jr. "I think he's got a helluva chance. But whatever happens, he'll be retired this year. This will be it. Plus, Mr. Reed's health isn't that great, and when Mr. Reed gets to where he can't come out and enjoy the horse, that's when we'll sit down and make a decision."