Hollywood Gold Cup winner Early Pioneer euthanized

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) – Old Friends says it had to euthanize former racehorse Early Pioneer last week.

The thoroughbred retirement sanctuary says Early Pioneer was euthanized on January 12 due to complications of chronic laminitis.

Old Friends says the 2000 Hollywood Gold Cup winner may also have had cancer.

The results of a full necropsy are pending.

Early Pioneer was retired to Old Friends in 2009.

The 23-year-old son of Rahy won over $1.1 million during his career.

In the 2000 Gold Cup, he bested favorite General Challenge at odds of 24-1.