Y Chance It Retired

Trainer Ron O'Neill told Trot Insider that the classy millionaire trotting veteran Y Chance It has been permanently retired

.

After suffering from a stifle problem, the decision was made to retire the 10-year-old gelding. O'Neill says the wear and tear of racing was getting to him.

"If we went any further something else could have went wrong with him so we just decided it was time to retire."

The timing worked out perfect for 'Chancey', who was welcomed with open arms to a 200 acre farm in Clifford, Ontario owned by Alex and Marie Stanek.

"It's a perfect spot," says O'Neill, adding that Y Chance It will enjoy homemade apple sauce with his newfound canine companions and his paddock buddy Railroad Ron, who was also recently retired by Paula Wellwood.

The winner of $1,081,364 in purses has recorded 43 wins in his career for owners O'Neill, Paul Larrabee of Freelton and Lynda Franklin of Ingersoll, Ont. The son of Yentls Image-Fannies Biggal Two took several Ontario Sires Stakes events as a youngster, then went on to sweep the Don Mills Trotting Series at four and the Horsemen's Trotting Series - now the Glorys Comet - at five. The bay also set a track record at Dover Downs winning a division of the Classic Series in 1:53.4. At six, he defended his title in the Horsemen's Series and went on to become a strong contender in the top ranks on the WEG circuit.

O'Neill cites the first race in the 2005 Horsemen's Trot as a standout moment in his pupil's career.

"He made a break leaving and [was back 17 lengths.] Then he came back and he won it. That was just unbelievable what he did that day. For him to do that against those type of horses, you just don't do that, and he did it. That was probably one of his biggest races I've ever seen him go."

A 1:52.4 effort at Woodbine Racetrack in 2006 was another big performance for the bay, who took a new mark against his Preferred rivals on a cold December evening.

"He was just kind of a natural right from the word go," O'Neill told Trot Insider. "He did it and he didn't do it really flashy at first but then he just kind of kept on going and he just turned into a really nice horse. He probably did better than what we ever dreamed of. He was only a $5,000 purchase. He turned into quite a nice horse."

O'Neill purchased Y Chance It privately as a yearling.

"I just wanted to thank Fritzy (Randy Fritz) and Paul MacDonell for making it a really good run," adds O'Neill.