The Future

Cover of the March 2001 Washington Thoroughbred

After completing his initial season at stud in 2001, Mula Gula returned to the shedrow of Jerry Hollendorfer in late summer. The tendon injury incurred on December 9, 2000 at Golden Gate Fields had healed 100% and the horse was given the all-clear to go back into training.

California Trainer

Perennial leading Northern California trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, who trained 1999
Northern California Horse of the Year Mula Gula.

Mula Gula was vanned from Ron and Nina Hagen’s El Dorado Farms in Washington to Jerry Hollendorfer’s barn at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, California, arriving on Tuesday, July 24, 2001. Leading trainer Hollendorfer put Mula Gula into serious training for the colt’s bid to make a successful return to competitve racing.

Bathing

Mula Gula receives a bath in preparation for his move to Golden Gate Fields near San Francisco, California. On the far left is Ben Gula, Steve’s dad, with Ron Hagen keeping a tight grip on Mula Gula’s shank.

The long-term goal was for Mula Gula to run in one of the Breeders’ Cup races at Belmont Park in 2001–a year after his connections had first intended on running him in the international championship event of horseracing. Unfortunately, the colt’s old tendon injury threated to flare up during September. Jerry Hollendorfer said that “Mula Gula was just too nice of a horse to take any chances with,” and the decision was made to retire Mula Gula permanently. He now stands at the Old Frankfort Stud of Jim Plemmons in Lexington, Kentucky.

To be continued by Mula Gula’s sons and daughters. . .

Del Mar Winner’s Circle

Alex Solis guiding a triumphant Mula Gula to the Del Mar winner’s circle following the Oceanside Stakes in July of 1999.

Contact us for more information about Mula Gula at mulagula@gmail.com

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