This winning shoe was worn by Lava Man in his final career victory in the June 20, 2007 Hollywood Gold Cup. Lava Man’s life story reads like a movie script. The California-born gelding began his career in a $12,500 maiden claiming race on the fair circuit and transcended his humble origins to become a true superstar on the West Coast racing stage. With a career spanning six years and 47 starts, Lava Man ranks as one of the best horses ever bred in the Golden State with career earnings totaling more than $5 million and the distinction of being the first horse ever to win Grade 1 races on dirt, turf and synthetic surfaces. Lava Man’s popularity and success in his home state was dizzying. His record of seven Grade 1 victories, including the Malibu Stakes, Santa Anita Handicap, Charlie Whittingham Handicap and the Pacific Classic, is the best ever for a California-bred. In the Hollywood Gold Cup, he wore this very shoe in an electrifying nose decision for a third consecutive triumph in the prestigious race. His historic three-peat is matched only by the great "California Comet" Native Diver, who accomplished the same in 1965-67. The shoe is set in a 9x9" black linen backed shadowbox display case and is easily accessible for further viewing of the inscription in black marker on its reverse side denoting its special significance as the record-tying shoe. The shoe emanates from the Julie Albright collection of racing memorabilia.