Lovesick Blues earns California bred Horse of the Year honors following Grade 1 success

The 8 year old gelding wins top state honors while training in Dubai for the upcoming Dubai Golden Shaheen.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 9:44 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from BloodHorse

Regional honors amidst international campaign

The award ceremony, held at Le Meridien hotel near Santa Anita Park, recognized Lovesick Blues for a season that included wins in the Bing Crosby Stakes and the Siren Lure Stakes. In addition to the Horse of the Year title, the gelding was also voted champion California bred older male and champion California bred sprinter. The horse was represented at the banquet by owner and trainer Librado Barocio and breeder Nick Alexander, as the athlete remains in Dubai preparing for the 2 million dollar Dubai Golden Shaheen.

Logistical challenges in the Middle East

Librado Barocio addressed the audience regarding the significant geographical and political hurdles currently facing his stable. The trainer noted that his travel plans to Dubai have been complicated by regional instability, which has created uncertainty regarding the scheduling of the Dubai World Cup program and the eventual return of his horse to the United States. Barocio remains in California while overseeing the gelding's training remotely, receiving daily reports and video footage of the horse's progress at the track.

Resilience under atmospheric pressure

During his acceptance speech, Barocio shared accounts of the unconventional training conditions Lovesick Blues is experiencing in Dubai. According to reports from the staff on the ground, the horse has continued his morning workouts at 4:30 AM even as military activity is visible in the sky. Barocio recounted that while missiles have been intercepted over the track, the horse has remained unfazed, continuing his exercise routine without incident. The trainer described the gelding as an iron horse, attributing his success to the animal's durable nature and professional temperament.