2000 b.g, Souvenir Copy - Reginas Vice (Deputy Minister)
Trainer - Doug O'Neill

Early Snow is a Cal Bred gelding that was claimed by trainer Doug O'Neill to take advantage of the excellent purse incentives offered in California. This turned out to be a great claim as this hard trying son of Souvenir Copy went on to win 4 of 23 starts, amassing over $175,000 in lifetime earnings. Early Snow would face stiff competition in his career, out running horses like Beau Soleil (Tiznow Stakes winner), Musique Toujours (Sunshine Millions Classic winner), and the great Lava Man. He would earn a hard fought second in the Crystal Water Handicap before eventually being claimed by trainer Bill Spawr.

At the end of his career he bowed a tendon while racing at Saratoga and was vanned off the track. A group of Early Snow fans, Karin from Neigh Savers, and the folks at Coast Racing were able to negotiate with his trainer who released him so he could be retired and brought back to California. He spent several months recuperating at Ballena Vista Farm in Ramona before being adopted by a mother and daughter as a potential riding horse.

Early Snow was one of those special racehorses who put it all on the line every time he hit the track. Some of the greatest racing moments we've experienced as horse owners were made possible by Early Snow. He truly encompasses everything that is great about the sport, and we are so very proud of him and all his accomplishments. We hope he continues to bring the same joy to his current owners as he did to those of us in the past.

Early Snow on the rail sporting Doug O'Neill's trademark blinkers and shadow roll in the Crystal Water Handicap at Santa Anita. He would lose by a nose to Cozy Guy (white cap and silks), defeating Lava Man in the process.

Ritchie meets with Early Snow while he recovers from his racing injuries.
What an awesome horse...