Gun Battle winning a 2006 trial to the All American Futurity.

© AQHA Racing

AQHA RACING–JULY 10, 2023–The stakes gelding Gun Battle died in late June 2023 at the age of 19.

Bred by Robert Driggers and raced by Robert and Del Rae Driggers, Gun Battle was by Dash Ta Fame and out of the  On A High mare On A Bunny. His third dam is American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame mare Esters Little Klu.

Gun Battle made 28 career starts, winning nine, with seven seconds and two thirds. He earned $668,781.

He lit the board in the New Mexico Spring Futurity (RG1), and then won the Zia Futurity (RG1). He then ran second in No Secrets Here’s stakes-record setting All American Futurity (G1).

He placed in the New Mexico Classic Futurity, Hard Twist Stakes (G2), Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap (RG2), New Mexico-Bred Invitational Handicap, Tommy “Duke” Smith Handicap (RG2) and Zia Handicap (RG2).

“He lived a big, well respected, and much loved life,” said the Driggers daughter, Dena Milner. “He had a fan club, I remember in 2006 every time he walked onto the track the crowd roared so loud it was electric, and he absolutely loved it. There are some horses that are born special, destined to do great things. He knew he was sent from God to bring joy to many people and to give my mom a reason to beat stage 4 cancer.  For that, and so much more, he had my absolute devotion and love.”

Gun Battle retired in 2009 and enjoyed a second career as a barrel horse for Milner.

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