When 9-year-old Hot Shot Kid crossed the finish line a winner on Sept. 4 in the eighth race at Canterbury Park, he became the all-time Minnesota bred earnings leader. In a career that began in 2016, Hot Shot Kid raced 54 times, winning 17 for trainer Mac Robertson while earning $708,816. Ten of those victories came in stakes races. He won five stakes in 2019 and was voted Canterbury’s Horse of the Year. Hot Shot Kid surpassed the retired Mr. Jagermeister’s earnings total of $700,839.
Hot Shot Kid was bred and owned by the late Warren Bush. His wife Linda Bush campaigned the son of Majestic Warrior this year along with other horses in the Robertson stable.
Robertson told Daily Racing Form reporter Mary Rampellini that Hot Shot Kid is “going to go to a second career – go over the jumps. He’s still sound – and flashy. He’s been a good horse. He likes to train. He likes the game and he stays sound.”
That step toward a second career began last week as Hot Shot Kid is now in the care of Dr. Jennifer Selvig who practices at Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital and is an accomplished equestrian, having had success with other off-the-track thoroughbreds.
“I picked him up on Wednesday and he’s settling right in,” Selvig said. “Such a professional.” His new home is Selvig’s Stargazer Farm.
“My goal is to take him to the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover next year. We are all just madly in love with him. What a cool horse, I am so lucky,”
she said. “Right now the plan is to give him a little time off. Makeover rules are that he can’t have more than 15 post-track rides before December 1, so I’ll probably start that toward the end of October.”
The Retired Racehorse Project exists to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers, and organizations that transition these horses. RRP annually conducts Thoroughbred Makeover, the largest thoroughbred retraining competition in the world for recently-retired ex-racehorses. The event is open to Jockey Club-registered thoroughbreds.
With a remarkable racing career behind him, Hot Shot Kid will inevitably be inducted into the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame. For a period of time there was no more reliable or versatile horse on the grounds. Those characteristics and athletic ability will accompany him into his next career as an eventer, where he is sure to succeed.
For other stories about retired racehorses headed to this year’s Makeover see the links below:
