Multiple Stakes Winner Joey P Euthanized at Old Friends
Old Friends announced Monday that New Jersey-bred graded stakes winner Joey P (Close Up) was euthanized after complications from a respiratory illness. He was 23.
Joey P established himself as a formidable presence in black-type competition throughout his career. The gelding captured the GIII Jersey Shore Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Monmouth Park as a 3-year-old and later competed in the prestigious GI Haskell Invitational Handicap.
The accomplished racehorse retired in 2011 with an impressive 18 wins from 48 starts, accumulating a 48-18-10-1 record and earnings exceeding $1.08 million.
Joey P arrived at Old Friends in 2018 through Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, which provided monthly support throughout his retirement.
“Joey P was a wonderful example of the star-power of ‘regional’ racehorses,” said John Nicholson, president and CEO of Old Friends. “Joey P built his racing resume as the hero of New Jersey’s Monmouth Park. His specialty at the track was running fast and he excelled at it, earning a following of devoted fans who adored him.”
Nicholson added, “Joey P’s specialty at Old Friends was making friends who all fell in love with him. He is going to be missed, especially by his paddock-mate, Tuneintobow. We are so grateful to Lori Lane of Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement for giving us the honor of caring for Joey P in his retirement.”
