Kristin Mulhall, a well-known horse trainer in the Southern California racing circuit, has made the decision to shut down her stable at Santa Anita. While she has not completely ruled out a comeback, Mulhall expressed that the joy and excitement she once felt in the industry has diminished. Daily Racing Form reported on Friday that Mulhall, who will be celebrating her 42nd birthday on Saturday, cited the increasing pressure from veterinarians and regulators as a major factor in her decision to step away from training.
Throughout her career, Mulhall has been dedicated to the well-being of her horses, always striving to do what is best for them. However, she expressed frustration with the changing rules and regulations in the industry, which she believes are now focused more on training the horses rather than caring for them. This shift in focus has made it difficult for Mulhall to continue operating her stable in a way that aligns with her values and principles.
Despite closing down her stable at Santa Anita, Mulhall is not leaving the horse racing world entirely. She plans to redirect her energy towards building a horse farm that she owns in central Ohio. This new venture will allow her to continue working with horses in a different capacity, focusing on breeding and raising them in a more relaxed and controlled environment.
Over the years, Mulhall has achieved significant success as a trainer, with 421 winners and over $18 million in purse earnings. She has won nine graded stakes races with horses such as Imperialism, Sky Cape, Puerto Banus, Tale of a Champion, and Mister Acpen. One of her most notable accomplishments was training Imperialism to a third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby in 2004, making her one of only three women to achieve such a feat.
Mulhall’s most recent victory came on June 13, when she saddled 8-year-old gelding Give Me the Lute to a win in an allowance turf sprint at Santa Anita. This may have been her final winner before deciding to close her stable. Mulhall has also sold her home in Southern California, indicating that if she were to make a return to training, it might be in Kentucky, where she could potentially find a new beginning in the industry.
In conclusion, Kristin Mulhall’s decision to shut down her stable at Santa Anita marks the end of an era in Southern California horse racing. While she may be stepping away from training for now, her passion for horses and dedication to their well-being will continue to drive her in her new endeavors. Mulhall’s legacy as a successful trainer and advocate for horse welfare will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the racing community.
