Gula Gold and Friends at Hollywood Park

Steve Gula and son Brian in the Hollywood Park paddock, 11/8/08.

It's always a delight to chat with Washington-based owner Steven Gula when he comes to Southern California to watch one of his horses run. I began following Gula Gold last year after meeting Steven Gula at Santa Anita. Gula is one of the most enthusiastic, energetic, and friendly people I've ever met, and he truly loves the sport. At his suggestion (and with his help setting it up), I had a marvelous time writing a profile for Owners' Circle magazine on his good friend, actor Dick Van Patten.

Racing fans, especially in the Northwest, will remember Gula's first racehorse - the great Mula Gula - a $6,000 purchase who went on to win nearly $700,000. As a 3-year-old, Mula Gula won a division of the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar, the Bay Meadows Breeders Cup Derby (Grade 3) and the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby, for Gula and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. He was voted Champion Northern California 3-year-old Colt of 1999. As a 4-year-old, Mula Gula ran third in the Arlington Million before being retired to stud. He now stands at Old Frankfort Stud in Midway, Kentucky.

The excitement continues with Mula Gula's daughter, Gula Gold, who has already earned more than $100,000. Saturday, Gula Gold, Garrett Gomez up, finished a close 4th in an allowance/optional claiming race at one mile on the Hollywood Park turf course. Steve Gula brought his son, Brian, along. Father and son began the day's journey at 3:00 a.m., made it to Hollywood Park just in time to watch Gula Gold be saddled, and took a flight from LAX back to Seattle right after the race. We appreciate Gula's support of California racing and look forward to his next visit!