By Bloodhorse.com
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Apr. 28, 2023) — Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., announced April 28 the passing of Disturbingthepeace due to complications from colic. The two-time winner of the Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2) and earner of over $650,000 was 25.
The beautiful bay gelding by Bold Badgett out of Regal Riot, by Sovereign Dancer, was bred in California by Old English Rancho and Patsy McKuen.
Disturbingthepeace scored his first win as a 3-year-old in his fourth start in a maiden special weight race at Del Mar Aug. 27, 2001, under the care of trainer Darrell Vienna, and owners David and Rita Milch. He would improve substantially with maturity and strung together six straight wins at 4. Three of those victories were captured at Del Mar in the Triple Bend Breeders’ Cup Invitational Handicap (G2), Bing Crosby Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2), and his first win in the Pat O’Brien. The win streak began with wins in two allowance races at Santa Anita Park, and one allowance optional claiming race at Hollywood Park.
He closed out 2002 with a seventh-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Arlington Park for the Milches and new partner Herrick Racing.
At 5, Disturbingthepeace stayed competitive in graded stakes and was tested in international competition. Following third-place finishes in the Palos Verdes Handicap (G2) and the General George Handicap (G2) at Laurel Park, he was sent to Chukyo Racecourse in Japan for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1), where he finished 13th in his second career start on grass. He was returned to the States and sprinting on dirt and after two starts captured his second Pat O’Brien victory by two lengths. In his second Pat O’Brien he beat future Old Friends retiree Danthebluegrassman.
In 2004 at 6, he ran in only two races, both at Del Mar, and finished ninth in the Bing Crosby Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G1) and fourth in an allowance optional claiming race. Following that race he was retired.
Disturbingthepeace closed out his race career with eight wins, four seconds, four thirds, and $666,020 in earnings from 24 career starts. His owners retired him to Old Friends Jan. 12, 2013.
“Disturbingthepeace had a nice race career,” said Old Friends founder and president, Michael Blowen. “He was completely inappropriately named because he never disturbed anyone. He was the gentlest, quietest, most independent horse we ever had. He will be missed.”