The racing rockstar received the warmest of receptions on a cloudy, chilly day at the expansive 100-acre farm in Erin, Ontario, the serene place where over 50 retired Thoroughbreds reside.

A banner heralding Pink Lloyd's arrival waved as the striking chestnut stepped off the van after the 50-minute trek from trainer Robert Tiller's barn on the Woodbine backstretch.

Over one of Canadian racing's most remarkable careers, 'Pinky' made a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to watch him race and the many more who tracked his numerous exploits.

At his new home base with LongRun, one of the continent's most respected horse retirement and adoption organizations, and the first industry-funded adoption program in Canada, he made an impactful first impression on a new group of admirers.

“The second he walked off the trailer, he struck a pose,” said Lauren Millet-Simpson, LongRun's farm manager. “He knows he's special. He's a true professional. He took everything in stride. He knows he's important, but at the same time, he's a gentleman. He likes the attention, but he's also super respectful. It will be really cool to work with a horse like that.”

His entourage on that early December morning at LongRun included Frank Di Giulio, Jr, one of Canadian racing's highest profile owners and lead member of Pink Lloyd's ownership group, Entourage Stable.

Seeing the nine-year-old son of Old Forester settle in nicely to his new surroundings was yet another special moment for Di Giulio.

“He received a great welcome. To see how he was welcomed, the support he's received the last few days, it's overwhelming that's he been so well loved from all over. It's nice to know he'll be at a place where he'll be well looked after, so appreciated, and be able to enjoy himself.”

For Pink Lloyd's connections, it was yet another fairytale ending for the future Canadian Horse Racing Hall of fame inductee.

Less than a week earlier at Woodbine, Pink Lloyd put the finishing touches on an outstanding career with a brilliant score in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes.

Charging hard down the lane, he roused the crowd to its feet as they feted the decorated star with a chorus of cheers at the wire and then as he made his way to the winner's circle.

Smiles, tears and the highest of praise awaited Pink Lloyd.

“I think it's amazing,” said Tiller in his Kennedy Road post-race interview. “You know, he's a legend. He proved today he was a legend. I didn't think he'd win today. It looked awful tough to me and the only thing I liked was all the speed in the race because I've been saying all along, and not too many people listened, but he loves to run at horses. I was just hoping Rafi [jockey, Rafael Hernandez] would get room. I said at the head of the lane, 'You know what? Here he comes.' We're blessed to win this race and it's a tremendous way to go out. You know he's been Woodbine's horse and he's been Canada's horse.”

It was fitting ending to a racing life that yielded 29 wins, 26 of them stakes, three seconds and two thirds, from 38 starts, 2017 Canadian Horse of the Year honours and over $2.4 million (CDN) in earnings.

His numerous triumphs include four straight (2017-2020) champion male sprinter trophies and a pair of champion older male titles in 2017 and 2019.

In 2017, Pink Lloyd won all eight of his engagements, en route to his Horse of the Year title. He won four consecutive editions of the Vigil Stakes and Jacques Cartier Stakes, along with three triumphs in the Shepperton, Kenora and Kennedy Road.

Not bad for a $30,000 purchase at the 2013 Canadian Premier Yearling Sale.

Bred by John Carey, Pink Lloyd's popularity isn't likely to wane even though his days of taking on the best sprinters in Canada are over.

The crowd-pleasing gelding will continue to draw big crowds on a new stage.

“I hope people take advantage of it,” said Di Giulio. “I hope he is a nice attraction for LongRun and brings attention to what they do. It really is a win-win for everybody. He's so well loved. Even if people don't know a lot about horse racing, they've heard who Pink Lloyd is. Hopefully, he can attract new fans as well. To see him right up-close, that's a rare chance for a lot of people.”

Photo opportunities with Pink Lloyd for those who visit LongRun won't be an issue for the sought-after celebrity.

“He stands for photos like he knows what he's doing,” noted Di Giulio.

A picture-perfect horse for an organization that continues to play a major role in the welfare of retired Thoroughbreds.

“He is so relaxed and chill,” said Millet-Simpson. “He's never been here before and he doesn't know who I am. I'm holding him, his head is up and he's so proud. He just calmly looked around, took in his surroundings, checked out everything… you can tell how super intelligent he is in the way he looked around when he first got here, checking things out to see what was happening. To have a horse like him with us, it's just wonderful.”

Pink Lloyd's connections, which also includes assistant trainer Tom Lottridge and groom Michelle Gibson, might have to stand in line to reconnect with their beloved horse, but none of them perceive it as a negative.

Knowing that racing fans, young and old, new to the game or longtime supporters, can meet one of the sport's true talents face-to-face, is an honour for those closest to him.

“He's going to be here for many, many years to come,” started Di Giulio. “I'm biased, but I think he's one of the greatest Canadian-breds ever, especially, Ontario-sired, I'm proud of that too. What he's accomplished and his longevity, I think that's what makes any athlete great, is when they can do it over and over again. The Gordie Howes and the Wayne Gretzkys, that's exactly what they did. I think that makes him so special. Knowing he's going to be well looked after is really very comforting. I don't think we could have ended his career any better than the way he did. We got to race him for a long time and watched him accomplish so many great things, so now other people can have their chance to see what it's like to be so up-close with him.”

A rare opportunity, offered Millet-Simpson, to make a connection, even for a brief moment, with a Canadian horse racing icon.

“Fans, they see these horses on the track, but now they get to see this beautiful horse and feed him a carrot. You don't get to do that very often. So, that personal interaction with a great champion, I think it's going to be very cool for people, something they will always remember.”

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Campaigned by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Robert Tiller, 9-year-old Pink Lloyd is set to chase his 26^th career stakes victory in the Kennedy Road, a six-furlong main track test for 3-year-olds and upward, a race that he won in 2017 and 2019.

“We made a decision this week to retire him after this race,” said Tiller of the seven-time Sovereign Award-winning gelding, who was named Canada's Horse of the Year in 2017. “It will be a bit of a sad situation because all good things come to an end, but it's been an absolutely fantastic ride. To me, he's the greatest sprinter we've ever had at Woodbine. It's been a wonderful ride, with some sadness, but on the other hand it will be a big relief for me, certainly, because it's not easy training a horse like this where everyone expects him to win all the time.”

Owned by Entourage Stable and bred by John Carey, the son of Old Forester launched his career in 2016 with straight three straight victories.

It was only the beginning for Pink Lloyd, a $30,000 purchase at the 2013 Canadian Premier Yearling Sale.

His trophy haul includes four consecutive (2017-2020) champion male sprinter trophies and a pair of champion older male titles in 2017 and 2019.

Pink Lloyd, who went 8-for-8 in 2017, won four consecutive editions of the Vigil Stakes and Jacques Cartier Stakes, along with three triumphs in both the Shepperton and Kenora.

The chestnut arrives at his final start off a win in the Ontario Jockey Club Stakes on November 7 at Woodbine. He brings a record of 28-3-2 from 37 starts, accompanied by over $2.3 million (CDN) in purse earnings, into the Kennedy Road.

“We're so proud of him,” said Tiller. “On one hand, it will be over, and I'll be very sad to see him get on the van and go, but I don't think anyone should shed too many tears because what he's done has been fantastic. We want to give him what he deserves.”

The fan favorite has built up an impressive following over his years on the racetrack.

That popularity will live on when he starts his post-racing life with LongRun, one of the continent's most respected horse retirement and adoption organizations.

He'll join over 50 retired thoroughbred horses at LongRun's farm in Erin, Ont., a little less than an hour's drive north of Woodbine.

“It's just an awesome privilege for LongRun to be chosen to give Pink Lloyd his happy retirement home,” said Vicki Pappas, a founding member and longtime chairperson of LongRun.

Michelle Gibson, Pink Lloyd's groom, will be a frequent visitor to the picturesque property.

“I have mixed emotions,” said Gibson, recipient of the Jockey Club of Canada's 2020 Outstanding Groom Award. “I'm elated that he is retiring but at the same time, I'm going to miss that face greeting me every morning. He deserves a happy life now. I would love to be there the first time he gets turned out in a huge paddock, just being a horse. Even though he will be gone from my stalls, he will never be gone from life. He is my heart horse.”

Regular rider Rafael Hernandez, a lifetime winner of over 2,800 races, continues to marvel at the veteran campaigner's ability to show up every time the gate opens.

He's hoping to end Pink Lloyd's racing career on a high note.

“When you ride him, you don't feel yourself going fast because he spends so much time in the air,” Hernandez recently told Woodbine. “He has a big, big stride. He's unbelievable… he's push button. When you're in a race car and you push the nose and say, 'Bye-bye,' that's him. When you turn for home and push the button, it's, 'Bye-bye, come and get me.' Every time I talk about him in an interview after the race, I tell them I am just a passenger. You need the horse to win the race. You can't say that you won the race. You need a good driver. With this horse, I am happy to be the driver.”

His connections are grateful to have been along for the thrill ride.

“He'll be a tourist attraction at LongRun now,” offered Tiller. “Vicki and her crew, they're going to love him, and he's going to be great for people to come out and see. I plan on being out there myself and having a few chats with him.”

They'll no doubt have plenty to talk about.

First post for Saturday's 11-race card is 12:55 p.m. The Kennedy Road goes as race eight. Fans can watch and wager on all the action with HPIbet.com and the Dark Horse Bets app.

To learn more about LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement click on the link.

$175,000 KENNEDY ROAD STAKES

Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer
1 – Lenny K – Justin Stein – Kevin Attard
2 – Red River Rebel – Luis Contreras – Kevin Attard
3 – Tap It to Win – Kazushi Kimura – Mark Casse
4 – Clayton – Antonio Gallardo – Kevin Attard
5 – Pink Lloyd – Rafael Hernandez – Robert Tiller
6 – Richiesinthehouse – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Francine Villeneuve
7 – Smokin' Jay – Shaun Bridgmohan – Kelsey Danner
8 – Souper Stonehenge – Patrick Husbands – Mark Casse
9 – Malibu Secret – Ademar Santos – Ross Armata, Jr.

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“There's definitely mixed feelings,” Tiller told the Daily Racing Form. “When it's all over, it will be a big sigh of relief. It hasn't been easy training this horse. I'll be happy for him and happy for everybody involved. I knew this day would come, and we've made the joint decision to retire him. All good things come to an end. He's not going to run as a 10-year-old against top horses. He's done enough. He's been amazing.”

A 28-time winner from his 37 starts thus far, the Entourage Stable-owned Pink Lloyd has current earnings of $1,786,083. He has earned seven Sovereign Awards over the past four years, including Canada's Horse of the Year title in 2017 when he put together a perfect 8-for-8 campaign. Tiller raced him exclusively over the main track at Woodbine, where the gelding's talents shone brightest.

This season, Pink Lloyd has left the starting gates four times, winning two and finishing second in the other two.

Among Pink Lloyd's victories are: G2 Kennedy Road (2017, 2019), G3 Bold Venture (2020, 2021), G3 Vigil (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), and the G3 Jacques Cartier (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020).

Read more at the Daily Racing Form.

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From post two, Pink Lloyd took up position on the rail, a half-length off of Souper Hot inside the first furlong of the six-furlong stakes. Around the race's lone turn, Pink Lloyd pulled even with Souper Hot, poised to take over as frontrunner entering the stretch.

At the top of the straightaway, Rafael Hernandez gave Pink Lloyd the cue and eked out a short lead, but Souper Hot persisted, never allowing the favorite to get more than a half-length in the lead before fighting back. At the wire, Pink Lloyd had a neck on Souper Hot, with Told It All third.

The final time for the six furlongs was 1:09.52.

Pink Lloyd paid $3.10 and $2.10. Souper Hot paid $4.20. There was no show wagering.

Bred in Ontario by John Carey, Pink Lloyd is by Old Forester. Consigned by his breeder, the 9-year-old gelding was sold to Frank De Juilio, Jr., agent, for $28,446 at the 2013 Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale. He is owned by Entourage Stable and trained by Robert Tiller. With his win in the Ontario Jockey Club, Pink Lloyd has two wins in four starts in 2021, for a lifetime record of 28 wins in 37 starts.

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After two tough Bold Venture experiences, the seven-time Sovereign Award winner made it back-to-back wins in the 6 ½-furlong Tapeta race for 3-year-olds and up.

Pink Lloyd finished fifth in the 2018 running and was declared a non-starter in the 2019 edition when he broke through the starting gate early. Last year, in his third Bold Venture attempt, the Robert Tiller trainee split rivals to earn his elusive first win in the race.

On Saturday at Woodbine, Canada's Horse of the Year in 2017 was once again at his very best in the $168,900 event.

With Rafael Hernandez aboard, Pink Lloyd was in unfamiliar territory early on, as the veteran campaigner was taken to the front in a compact field of five (Reconfigure was scratched) that was devoid of early speed.

Joined to the outside by Lucky Curlin, Pink Lloyd rattled off an opening quarter in :23.83, holding a half-length advantage of over the second choice on the board. It was status quo through a half timed in :46.68, as the cat-and-mouse game between the frontrunners began to heat up around the turn for home.

Pink Lloyd, to the inside, was engaged by Lucky Curlin as the pair straightened for home, but Pink Floyd dug in gamely to fend off the strong challenge enroute to a three-quarter length victory in a time of 1:15.13.

The son of Old Forester went off as the even-money choice and returned $4.10 to win. Lucky Curlin finished second and Lookin to Strike was third.

“I just monitored to see what happens,” said Hernandez, of the early strategy. “If somebody goes crazy, I'll just sit next to him, if they don't, I'm just going to let him do his thing.

“I know he [Lucky Curlin] was breathing next to me all the way, but I trust Pink Lloyd. I said, 'When you turn for home, you're going to stretch your legs and you're going to say bye-bye.'”
It was the fourth Bold Venture title for Tiller. The Hall of Famer won in 1977 with Pres de Tu and again in 2006 with Are You Serious.

Tiller, joined by his wife Gail in the winner's circle, was emotional in the post-race interview.

“I never trained a nine-year-old stakes winner,” offered the lifetime winner of over 2,050 races. “He's still out here beating the best sprinters. I'm just so very happy today because I thought he should have won his last race [Grade 3 Vigil, on August 1 at Woodbine]. This is not his best race on the lead, that's not what he wants. He likes to run at horses. He's a very competitive horse, but we had no choice today. Raffi just rode his race. As soon as the gates opened, I knew he was going to make the lead. We didn't want to get shuffled back because there really is no speed in the race.”

Bred in Ontario by John Carey and owned by the Entourage Stable, the chestnut gelding now has 27 career wins, 24 of them stakes.

“It's an amazing story,” said Tiller. “I don't think any horse is going to come along soon and do what he's done. He's running because he's so happy. He's sounder now than he's ever been. I thank the good Lord that my wife is here to see him. This one today is very special. We're blessed to have had this horse. He's an icon.”

In other Saturday stakes action, Miss Speedy took the $141,300 Duchess, for three-year-old fillies, besting nine rivals over seven furlongs on the main track.

It was Miss Speedy, with Rafael Hernandez aboard, who emerged with the lead in a tightly-bunched group, holding a one-length advantage after a quarter timed in :22.82. The duo was still running comfortably on the front end by 1 ½-lengths after a half-mile in :45.41, as Bellissime and Sweet Souper Sweet tracked the leader.

Hernandez called on Miss Speedy around the turn, and the pair started to separate themselves from any late challengers with relative ease, maintaining their two-length advantage at the stretch call for the victory. Aug Lutes was second and Salty as Can Be, also a Casse trainee, was third.

The final time was 1:21.10.

Although the plan wasn't to go to the lead, Hernandez was content to set the pace.

“I was thinking I was going to be second, maybe third, behind two horses that show early speed,” said the champion rider. “When the gates opened, my horse was in there, and I looked inside me and said, 'No one is going to go, okay I'll take it.' And then everything was on the horse.”

It was the third win from four starts for the Mark Casse-trained filly, who launched her career with a couple of strong performances this summer for owners Gary Barber, Ryan Shane Kerbel and Barry Kerbel.

Miss Speedy arrived at the Duchess off a fourth-place finish in the Bison City Stakes, in what was her first added-money test.

The daughter of Souper Speedy paid $6.60 to win as the slight choice.

Miss Speedy was bred in Ontario by Linda Mason.

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Trained by Canadian Hall of Famer Robert Tiller, Pink Lloyd nearly matched his own track record on the Tapeta, sprinting six furlongs in 1:08.06. He came within one hundredth of a second of his mark while carrying 128 pounds.

Track announcer Robert Geller called it one of the best starts of his career as the popular chestnut gelding broke well from post seven with a head in front early. He settled into stalking position behind a quartet of early leavers before making his winning move on the final turn for Rafael Hernandez.

Pink Lloyd rallied home a clear winner with Olympic Runner, who finished a neck back in their last Grade 3 Bold Venture match-up, closing from the backfield for the runner-up honors once again.

City Boy, among the dueling front-runners through early fractions of :21.97 and :43.92, finished 1-1/2 lengths behind in third and just a half-length in front of Eskiminzin, Malibu Secret, Blind Ambition and Roaring Forties. Silent Jimmie and Not So Quiet completed the order of finish.

“He's so dear to my heart. We believe in him so much,” said Tiller, though admitting he was the most nervous he's been in a long time today. “He's going to get two months off now and he deserves it. We'll be back in the fall.”

Bred in Ontario by John Carey and owned by Entourage Stable, the gelded son of Old Forester is now four-for-four during his eight-year-old campaign and has won 26 of his 31 starts lifetime.

He previously reeled off 11 consecutive victories from 2017 into 2018, and is currently riding a 10-race win streak following a perfect season in 2019.

The newly minted double millionaire boasts a record four Vigil Stakes victories, six Sovereign Awards, and a total of 23 stakes wins among his accomplishments. Taking the $90,000 winner's share of the purse, he now has $2,066,330 in career earnings.

“I don't think you're going to find another horse like him again. He's a Canadian racing icon,” said Tiller. “This is a true, true champion. And I've said it many times, I just love him to death and he just keeps amazing me.”

Send postward as the 4-5 favourite, Pink Lloyd paid $3.80 to win.

Live Thoroughbred racing continues this long weekend at Woodbine, with post time set for 1 p.m. on both Sunday and Labour Day Monday.

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Sovereign Award winner and 22-time stakes champion Pink Lloyd chases another stakes crown in a race he has owned the past three years. Trained by Robert Tiller for Entourage Stable, the eight-year-old gelded son of Old Forester goes after his fourth consecutive Vigil score.

The chestnut, bred by John Carey, has rhymed off a perfect three straight victories this season, his latest tour de force coming in the Bold Venture (G3) on August 15.

Pink Lloyd launched his current campaign with a triumph in the Jacques Cartier (G3) on June 25. That was followed by a win in the Shepperton Stakes on July 23.

Riding a nine-race win streak, the Ontario-bred could go double platinum in earnings with a first or second-place finish in the Vigil.

Tiller, who would love to see Pink Lloyd reach the $2 million (CDN) mark in career purse earnings this Saturday, is keeping his focus strictly on the race itself.

“I try not to think about things like that,” said the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee. “I've reached the point where if I start thinking about winning another race with him, or any other accomplishment… we just try to keep carrying on and what will be will be. Thank God I have enough horses in the barn to keep my mind occupied. Winning another race with Pink Lloyd… we just try to our best with him. If we win, I'm thrilled, obviously. But I try to stay as grounded and focused as possible.”

Admittedly, it's not always an easy task.

But watching the multiple stakes champion make his way to the winner's circle is a scene that never gets old for Tiller.

“They'll never be another one like him, and they'll never be another one close to him. I'm always trying to come up with a new phrase or new way to talk about him. It's hard, but I'll think of something soon. He's just a phenomenal animal and athlete. He's amazingly perfect. The more he wins, the more you realize that.”

As does everyone who works with Tiller.

“The groom, the exercise rider, the hotwalkers – everybody loves him. No question. We're all very much in love with him.”

Win or lose this weekend, Pink Lloyd isn't ready to hang up his horseshoes for now.

“The party, it's still on,” said Tiller.

Trainer Mark Casse sends out the trio of Blind Ambition, Not So Quiet, and Olympic Runner. A four-year-old son of Gio Ponti, Olympic Runner finished second, just a neck back of Pink Lloyd in the Bold Venture.

Multiple stakes placed Silent Jimmie, bred, owned, and trained by Paul Buttigieg, was second to Pink Lloyd in the Shepperton.

Trainer Barb Minshall won three straight editions of the Vigil, two with Kiridashi (1996-97) and the other with Sea Wall (1995).

Post times for the Thoroughbred racing programs on Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5 at Woodbine Racetrack have been shifted earlier to 12:50 p.m. ET. Sunday's first race post time will remain unchanged (1 p.m. ET).

The Vigil is slated as race nine on Saturday's 11-race card. First post time is 12:50 p.m. Fans can watch and wager on all the action via HPIBet.com.

FIELD FOR THE GRADE 3 VIGIL STAKES
POST – HORSE – JOCKEY – TRAINER
1 – Silent Jimmie – Daisuke Fukumoto – Paul Buttigieg

2 – City Boy – Davy Moran – Mike Keogh

3 – Not So Quiet – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Mark Casse

4 – Malibu Secret – Sahin Cavici – Martin Drexler

5 – Eskiminzin – Darryll Holland – Carlos Grant

6 – Olympic Runner – Kazushi Kimura – Mark Casse

7 – Pink Lloyd – Rafael Hernandez – Robert Tiller

8 – Blind Ambition – Patrick Husbands – Mark Casse

9 – Roaring Forties – Justin Stein – Daniel Vella

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Winning his third Shepperton title, Pink Lloyd ties Paso Doble with the most wins in the main track stakes event, which has been run at a distance of 6 1/2 furlongs for all but two editions.

The Robert Tiller trainee also won this race in 2017 and 2019, and finished third in 2018. Paso Doble took the 2011, 2013 and 2014 events.

Carrying a field height weight of 128 pounds, Canada's reigning three-time Champion Male Sprinter stalked the leaders along the rail before jockey Rafael Hernandez maneuvered him outside in the stretch and took off. 

Stopping the clocked in 1:16.44 nearly two lengths in front, Pink Lloyd paid $2.60 to win as the overwhelming 1-9 favorite in the six-horse field. There was no place or show wagering.

Early trailer Silent Jimmie chased the champion home and got up for second just ahead of the front-runners, Dun Drum and Not So Quiet, who had set fractions of :23.25 and :45.88. Magical Man and Souper Success completed the order of finish.

“He's got the heart and desire to be probably the best sprinter in Canada the last 50 years,” said Tiller, who has won the Shepperton a record six times for a trainer. “He is amazing. He was in trouble all the way. We got the box trip with the one-hole, and it worked out well. Rafii waited and waited.” 

“We're very proud of him and I love him dearly,” said the Hall of Fame horseman. 

Bred by John Carey and owned by Entourage Stable, the 8-year-old Ontario-bred son of Old Forester now boasts 24 career wins from 29 starts and is approaching the $2 million mark in career earnings.

A 21-time stakes winner, Pink Lloyd previously put together an 11-race win streak in stakes action, beginning at the start of his 2017 Horse of the Year campaign. Pink Lloyd's current streak is now at eight after going six-for-six in 2019 and winning a record fourth Grade 3 Jacques Cartier Stakes in his season's debut on June 25. 

“Last time, he gave me a little hard time – he had to work hard to get there – but after the race, I told Bob, 'Now he's ready 100 per cent,'” said Hernandez. “He showed up today. He just broke out of the gate, sat behind good and he just did the best thing he knows how to do… he just switched the lead in the stretch and 'let's go.'

“He knows how to do it, he knows how to win.”

And so does Hernandez, who is the leading rider at the 2020 Woodbine meet and won half of Thursday's eight races.

Live Thoroughbred racing continues, without spectators, on Friday at Woodbine Racetrack. Post time for the first of eight races is set for 1 p.m.

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