GALLANT MARINES

[Story]

Gallant Marines

(Source / Unknown)

Gallant Marines "Gal" AKA The Golden Devil - 7 year old stallion (January 28^th)
Gallant Wind x Staybackstacy (Afleet Alex)

                "And you could have it all: my empire of dirt. I will let you down. I will make you hurt."

                                                                                                                      Nine Inch Nails

                                                                                                     

Coat Color: Palomino (16.1hh)

Markings: Wide blaze and high socks on hind legs

Job: Retired racer, active stud

Personality: Gallant Marines certainly lives up to the Devil part of his nickname. Anyone that expects this gorgeous stallion to be a sweetheart is sadly going to be disappointed. Majorly. Gallant Marines is anything but kind to horses and humans alike. He commands respect without giving it back. His first reaction to anything is to pin his ears back and threaten to bite. If he is approached and is within reach, he does bite. If anyone persists, he kicks and bites. When tacked up, he plays every trick in the book. He sucks in air in hopes of making the girth too loose when he relaxes, he refuses the bit, and likes to step on heels when being led around. He is a nightmare to ride unless he's in a full-out gallop. He enjoys bucking at any other gait and has been known to edge close to the railing, much to the displeasure of his riders. He was a strong racer before his retirement and, because of his stubborn refusal to learn or obey, he was never retrained for any other sort of activity. It's a nightmare to get him to cover a mare as he'll mainly choose to bully her before ultimately doing the job. He proceeds to ignore her very existence. The suggestion of gelding him has come up many times but has been ignored every time for his good bloodlines.

History: Gallant Marines was born on a stormy day in California out of a mare named Staybackstacy and by Gallant Wind, the same sire as Celestial Zephyr. Through his sire, he is related distantly to Gallant Fox and Omaha. He was weaned a month sooner than the other yearlings due to his aggression toward his mother. He bullied his pasture mates and people alike. Despite rigorous schooling, the most that could be attained was a small shred of respect toward humans. He was worked hard by Nicholas Apparel to ensure that he wouldn't buck and attempt to throw his riders off at every opportunity, though he still enjoyed a good buck now and then. He directly resulted in the death of Adam's best friend, Mike Fletcher, when the jockey was bucked off and kicked in the head. Gallant Marines was sent to West Virginia with Adam by Mr. Apparel, though Adam didn't want anything to do with him. He was also the horse that caused the little accident that ultimately made Adam's fiance break up with him. As a three year old, Gallant Marines was run in the Breeders' Cup Classic. A simple misstep sent him into the ground with a fractured left foreleg, where he rolled over Adam. Rather than be put down, he was put into a cast and stall rest at Mr. Apparel's decision. He intended for him to retire and sire a few foals, which he has done so already. He remains at the facility now, under Adam's ownership. He has healed sufficiently and may be considered for some retraining so that he can be ridden, but this may prove difficult do to his personality.

Owner: Adam Apparel

Jockey: Adam Apparel

Preferred Distance and Surface: Classic Distance, Dirt

Races: 14:7-4-0 (1 DNF)

Major Wins: Kelso Handicap
Bing Crosby Handicap