Foiled Again’s 2018 North American tour came to a close Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 with his final start at his home track at The Meadows. The now 15-year-old son of Dragon Again finished fifth in the evening’s Open Pace to complete a career that included 109 wins in 331 starts with purses in excess of $7.6 million. Trained by Ron Burke, the tearful retirement ceremony took place in front of the grandstand after the race, with the crew associated with the Burke Stable walking beside the iron horse as he stopped in front of the winner’s circle.
Foiled Again brought many great performances to the state of Indiana. The fans in the Hoosier State came out in strong force during his stop at Hoosier Park this past fall. (Photo by Hoosier Park)
Foiled Again’s shoes were removed as a symbol of his retirement and a rendition of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” took place in his honor. Many people ventured to The Meadows to watch his final start, including a party bus from Dover, Del. filled with fans wishing to be part of the historic night.
Foiled Again’s final start with Yannick Gingras was a fifth place finish. He paced his mile in 1:54.2. The mile completed a “Farewell Tour” that spanned 19 tracks, including Hoosier Park. Although Gingras was his primary driver, a total of 12 different drivers sat behind him during his final campaign.
Foiled Again made his first start in the Hoosier State in 2011, winning the $205,000 Indiana Pacing Derby at Indiana Downs. He returned to retain his title in the race in 2012 during the final season of Standardbred racing at Indiana Downs.
Foiled Again made his first start at Hoosier Park in 2013, finishing second in the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby as a nine-year-old. He competed in the race again in 2014 to finish fourth before returning in 2015 to win the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby at the age of 11. He also competed in the Dan Patch Stakes that same year. Fans had one last chance to see him race in Indiana during the 2018 Farewell Tour where he finished second in the Dick Macomber Memorial with Ricky Macomber Jr. aboard.
World Champion Foiled Again received a send off fitting for a king. Happy retirement to a horse that brought so much joy to the fans and so much exposure to the sport of harness racing.