Grade 2-winning millionaire MYSTERY GIVER (Dynaformer) has been retired,
according to trainer Chris Block. The classy nine-year-old turf performer was
part of a real family affair known as Team Block, embracing the trainer’s
parents, David and Patricia, and brother, Ryan.
“He’s the horse that put Team Block on the map,” Chris Block said. “Whenever
any of us are introduced as a member of Team Block, often the person recognizes
the name by saying, ‘Oh, you raced Mystery Giver.’ That’s how important Mystery
Giver was to the success of our operation.”
The homebred captured eight stakes events, including the 2004 Mervin H. Muniz
Jr. Memorial H. (G2) in course-record time at Fair Grounds and three straight
editions of the Fair Grounds Breeders’ Cup H. (2202 through 2004). He placed in
another seven stakes, most notably the 2004 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic S.
(G1). Mystery Giver suffered an injury when 10th in that year’s Arlington
Million S. (G1).
Although he eventually returned to action in 2006 and scored a couple of
victories, he was no longer the stakes-caliber horse of old. Mystery Giver was
most recently last in an allowance/optional claiming event at Arlington Park on
May 19.
“It would be hard for any horse of ours to achieve what Mystery Giver has
achieved,” his trainer said. “We’re certainly going to miss him. It was a long,
fun ride, but it was time to stop.
“The funny thing is, he doesn’t want to (stop), but I don’t want to see him
try to run and hurt himself.”
The Illinois-bred retires with a mark of 43-13-8-3 and a bankroll to the tune
of $1,244,715. Out of the stakes-placed Ioya (Naskra), Mystery Giver is a
half-brother to Grade 3 queen Ioya Two (Lord at War [Arg]).