Mucho Macho Man settles back in at Gulfstream

Breeders' Cup Classic victor Mucho Macho Man returned to his Florida roots

Wednesday, arriving at Gulfstream Park just before noon (EST) following a

cross-country flight from Southern California.

Upon arriving at Palm Beach International Airport on a flight that originated

in Los Angeles, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing's Breeders' Cup hero was vanned to

Gulfstream, where he was greeted by trainer Kathy Ritvo.

"He looks great," said Ritvo, who became the first woman in the 30-year

history of the Breeders' Cup to saddle a Classic winner.

Mucho Macho Man received a long bath before returning to his familiar stall

in Barn 4 on the Gulfstream backstretch. The Florida-bred champion scored local

victories in the Sunshine Millions Classic and Gulfstream Park Handicap in 2012.

A decision about whether Mucho Macho Man will race again next year or be

retired to stud has not been made.

"We're going to let him get settled in this week then start talking," Ritvo

said.

Should he return to action in 2014, Ritvo said that a start at Gulfstream was

very possible while the $10 million Dubai World Cup would be an option.

While all options for Mucho Macho Man are being weighed, he could return to

the track this week.

"He might go back in a couple days, as long as he's not too tired," Ritvo

said.

Mucho Macho Man gave all the right signals to his trainer after arriving at

Gulfstream Wednesday.

"He's the man," said Ritvo while watching her stable star get his bath. "I

think he knows he won, just the way he walked back after the race. He's a smart

horse."

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