Article updated: 5/3/2013 10:16 AM

Horse saved from slaughter wins big at Hawthorne

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Magna Fortuna, with jockey Julio Felix up, is walked on the track after winning a race by 9 3/4 lengths during a horse race at Hawthorne Park in Cicero. The 3-year-old gelding whose name means "great luck" was the longest of long shots when he won the race. His mother, Lulu, was purchased for $300 at a slaughter auction by Gail Vacca, founder and president of the Illinois Equine Rescue Center. Vacca found out later that Lulu was pregnant when purchased.

Associated Press/Four Footed Fotos

Magna Fortuna, with jockey Julio Felix up, rides to a 9 3/4-length win during a horse race at Hawthorne Park in Cicero. The 3-year-old gelding whose name means "great luck" was the longest of long shots when he won a recent race. His mother, Lulu, was purchased for $300 at a slaughter auction by Gail Vacca, founder and president of the Illinois Equine Rescue Center. Vacca found out later that Lulu was pregnant when purchased.

Associated Press/Four Footed Fotos

About this Article

He may never run for the Kentucky Derby roses, but Illinois racehorse Magna Fortuna and his owners are celebrating a victory none-the-less — his survival. The 3-year-old gelding's name means "great luck," and he was a long shot when he won a recent race at Hawthorne Race Course. His mother Lulu was purchased for $300 at a slaughter auction by Gail Vacca, founder and president of the Illinois Equine Rescue Center. Vacca found out later that Lulu was pregnant when purchased.

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