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Fritz Grau (Click here for Past Performances)
"Fritz Grau" comes to us with a race track injury that will take a few months to fully heal as he has a small fracture on his shin (approx. August 2010).
Fritz Grau has a very
interesting history. He is a homebred and the last foal by Restless Con. His dam, College Band, is by the great sire Dixieland Band who just passed away in early April 2010.
College Band was found on a feedlot and immediately gave birth to a dead foal. Thereafter she stayed with Geri and produced some very fine racers for her over the years. College Band
has a kind and even personality which she passed on to her offspring Fritz. Geri named Fritz after an old friend who always talked race
horses and loved the track and all things
associated with racing, except actual ownership. Not even another good racing friend, a partner in the esteemed Dogwood Stable, could talk him into ownership. A few years ago Mr. Grau was sadly diagnosed with terminal
cancer and though he never owned a horse himself his dear friend Geri named one after him and even in his final days Mr. Grau took great pleasure in visiting his namesake at the barn.
Fritz was always a fierce competitor. He was lightly raced in the three years of his career, making only 13 starts. However, when on the track he left it all there,
winning five times, placing once and showing twice, thus hitting the board 8 out of 13 attempts. As much heart and class he showed on the track, in the barn he was always
a gentle sort, loving the attention of people and his carrot treats.
Fritz is now six years old, a chestnut gelding about 16.3 h/h. He has a short back and perfect legs so has any number of options. With his warm and
very easy going personality he will also make a great friend.
As fate may have it, Mr. Grau's widow Susan is now helping to sponsor Fritz in her beloved husband's memory. Mrs. Grau writes in part: "Fritz is a gorgeous, friendly horse
as you are probably aware, and named after my wonderful, gorgeous, friendly, unfortunately deceased husband. Thank you so much for his care and being there."
Update - August 2010
Fritz was radiographed on all four legs and cleared by out vet to begin working as he is now sound and there is not one sign of any injury. Volunteer Shelby has been working Fritz
in the round pen and training him under saddle.
Update - November 2010
Fritz has been provisionally adopted by volunteer Shelby. Shelby is a high school senior, a straight A student, involved in many school activities, band member and
an extremely responsible young woman. She brought Fritz back from the brink and he is now both mentally and physically sound. Fritz and Shelby bonded early on and
Shelby would like to make Fritz her lifelong horse and take him to UC Davis Vet School where she plans to go in three years. Unfortunately, Shelby does not have
the means to support a horse. No official papers have been filed and Fritz will remain in the program courtesy of Mrs. Susan Grau, widow of Mr. Fritz Grau. In
her husband's memory Mrs. Grau has generously committed to sponsoring Fritz financially until Shelby is able to take over. Thus, Fritz will remain in the Neigh Savers'
program for the interim but at this time is no longer available for adoption. Congrats Shelby!!
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