On Saturday evening at Del Mar racetrack, 8-year-old Irish gelding Gold Phoenix could write his name into the history of North American horse racing by equaling the legend Kelso. If he wins the Del Mar Handicap for the fifth consecutive time, he will become only the second horse after Kelso to win the same major stakes on the continent five years in a row.
Gold Phoenix has already won this race four years in a row over 1 3/8 miles on turf. This season he confirmed his form by winning the Eddie Read Stakes in July, where he edged out favorite Formidable Man in a hard-fought finish. Trainer Phil D'Amato and owners from Little Red Feather Racing and Agave Racing Stable emphasize: the secret lies in meticulous care, smart race scheduling, and the horse's natural stamina.
The field includes serious rivals — Test Score, Atitlan, and other stakes winners. However, Gold Phoenix remains the favorite at odds of 5-2. His style — coming from behind and winning in the final strides — has become his trademark. As noted in the LA Times, in a world where most horses end their careers by age five or six, a 8-year-old gelding stands out as an exception, comparable to LeBron James in basketball.
Kelso's record in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (1960–1964) has remained untouchable for over half a century. A victory by Gold Phoenix would not just add a line to the statistics: it would show that with the right approach, horses can maintain their class even at an advanced age. It is a matter not only of talent but also of the system — from veterinarians to owners willing to invest in long-term care.
A victory would open the door for Gold Phoenix to the Breeders' Cup Turf. But most importantly, it would highlight a rare ability in modern sport to stay at the top despite age and statistics. In racing, where Father Time is usually undefeated, this gelding continues to challenge him.
