Champion sprinter Benny The Bull has been retired to Vinery for the 2010 covering season.  He will stand at Vinery’s Florida base for a $4,000 service fee.

Benny the Bull (Lucky Lionel) was a G1 winner of the 2007 De Francis Memorial Dash and he was also runner-up in the G1 Forego Stakes that year.

In 2008, he was undefeated in four starts.  He opened that campaign with a convincing four length score in the Sunshine Millions Sprint at Gulfstream then flew to Dubai to take the prestigious G1 Golden Shaheen.

Returning Stateside, he won the G2 True North Hcp at Belmont before capping off a perfect year with an authoritative two-length decision in the G2 Smile Sprint Hcp at Calder.  Overall, he earned over $2.35 million in 20 starts.

Trainer Greg James purchased Benny the Bull for $38,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September yearling sale.  James campaigned the colt during the early part of his career prior to selling an interest to a group that included IEAH Stables.  “Benny the Bull has been a dream horse — talented, totally sound and brilliantly fast,” James said.  “I’m very excited about his future at Vinery.”

Benny the Bull is by Lucky Lionel, a Santa Anita track-record holder who represents the Blushing Groom sireline through Mt. Livermore.  Bred in Florida, Benny the Bull is from stakes winning filly Comet Cat (Birdonthewire).