Saga of Star Plus
On June 28, 2011, Earle I Mack sold Star Plus, son of Alpha Plus to George Iacovacci. Star Plus had been purchased by Mack and imported to the United Staes, where he ran five times in 2008, winning an allowance race at Keeneland and finishing second in the G3 Turfway Park Fall Championship. He was retired in March of 2010, after he came out of a race with what Mack described as a “severe ankle injury.” Mack had been adivsed that there was a small breeding operation that was interseted in Star Plus’ services, and agreed to let them have him with the conditions that he could never be raced again and that Mack would be immediately notified if they no longer wished to take care of the horse so that a suitable retirement home could be found for him.
But shortly after the sale Mack learned that the new owner of Star Plus had put the horse back in training and started to enter him in races. Despite Mack notifiying racing officials Star Plus was raced in Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennslyvania.
Through Earle I Mack’s and Maggi Moss’ efforts, the Paulick Report covered Star Plus’ story, raising an outcry among fans and owners.
Read that whole article here: Earle Mack and the saga of Star Plus.
Saga Of Star Plus Has Happy Ending
EXCERPT
From: Saga of Star Plus has Happy Ending
By RAY PAULICK
March 26, 2012
EXCERPT: “Earle I. Mack, former owner of Star Plus, has repurchased the star-crossed horse and retired him permanently.”
“Mack initially transferred Star Plus, a former Grade 1-winner in Argentina, with the bill of sale stating the horse could never be raced again. But the new owner, George Iacovacci, Sr., repeatedly raced the injured horse, until Mack’s attorneys successfully intervened with the racing commission in West Virginia.”
“Over the weekend Star Plus was repurchased by Mack and will now live out his days at Old Friends, a horse retirement program in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
Finish reading about Earle Mack and Star Plus.
Three Chimneys Presents Good News Friday: Finally Peace For Star Plus
EXCERPT
From: Three Chimneys presents Good News Friday: Finally Peace for Star Plus
By RAY PAULICK
March 30, 2012
EXCERPT: “The last time I wrote about 9-year-old Star Plus, the Argentine Group 1 winner who was being raced despite what his previous owner said were serious physical problems, he was in the private possesion of owner-breeder George Iacovacci Sr. and a distant trailer in every one of his four starts.
“Doesn’t this horse deserve better?” I asked.
Today I have much better news to report. Star Plus has been purchased back by Earle I. Mack, who imported the son of Alpha Plus from his native Argentine and raced him in allowance and stakes company from 2008-10, when his career was cut short by a serious injury. He will be moved to Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky., where he can live out his days in tranquility, something that can’t be said about the last year. Mack is making generous donation to the horse retirement operation to ensure he is well cared for.”
Finish reading about Earle Mack’s purchase of Star Plus.