By Bill Finley
Prospect Point, who, at age 38, was believed to be the oldest living Thoroughbred in North America, was euthanized Friday, reports his owner Gail Earle.
Earle said Prospect Point, profiled in a March, 2016 TDN story, lost his appetite “out of the blue.” A veterinarian put the gelding on antibiotics, but he still would not eat.
“We treated him with antibiotics and a couple of other things to help him feel better but he never really got his appetite back the way it had been,” Earle said.. “I couldn't believe the amount of body weight he lost. He lost all his fat and kind of started to waste away. I hated to do it, but I did not want him to suffer or get into a situation where he would get down and not be able to get up. His body was kind of shutting down, so I made the decision.”
Prospect Point last raced on July 10, 1985, in a $1,500 claimer at Waterford Park. Earle acquired the horse in 1988 and put him to use as a show hunter.
“I had him for 28 years and I am so grateful that I acquired him,” said Earle, who lives in Pageland, South Carolina. “He was such a great guy for me. He took care of me and I promised him I'd do everything to take care of him as long as he wanted to be around. I was so grateful every day that he was there. This has been devastating.
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