A sad week at Lilbitfarm as we say goodbye to Baileybarn's two great turf marathoners, Delaware River and Lexington Park II. They have been side by side in the barn for so many years it's gonna be pretty tough on Sunday morning when they are both gone to the retirement farm.

DELAWARE RIVER 53 (18-15-6) $1,632,820 Started in 51 Stakes, winning 16, including 1 GR1 and 1 Gr2. (I've always thought the stats on the marathoners were misleading as there are very few graded stakes at over 13 furlongs)

I'm going to miss watching this big grey son of Cozzene race. Most of his wins were at 13+ furlongs-always running way back and coming with a big rush in the last half mile or so. Some of the most fun I had in the game was watching the jockey view and riding with DR. What a good time it was for a bunch of us to cheer him on!

These two were the heart and soul of Baileybarn's success in 2004-2005, winning 41 stakes-DR and Lex won 21 of those.

Delaware River is being bred to Theatrical (Ire)

So I guess it's time for these two old warriors to retire to a life of leisure but it sure is hard. I feel sorry for those players in the sim that don't get attached to their so called "computer chip" horses but I'm proud to say that I'm not one of them. So long old friends-I will miss you very much! Thanks for all the great memories!!