by T.J. Burkett, Hoof Beats Executive Editor

Columbus, OH — Rockin Glass, a winner of 16 races and $279,523 in purses in 2012, was euthanized Tuesday (Nov. 27) after contracting colitis from a tendon injury.

A 4-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover-I’m For Reel, Rockin Glass was a stalwart of the top conditioned and Open races at Yonkers Raceway and Pocono Downs. He cut his left front tendon in a race at Yonkers on Nov. 17 — a race he eventually won by a nose — but never recovered from the injury.

“He just fought through everything until the day he died,” said Lee Cotroneo, who claimed Rockin Glass on May 26 and watched him take nine trips to the winner’s circle. “I just wanted him to get well so we could either retire him or go on with him. He was the king of the barn.”

Rockin Glass, who won more than a quarter-million dollars this year entirely in overnight races, finished his three-year racing career with a line of 22-4-11 in 63 starts with $328,645 in purse earnings. He set his life mark of 1:49.2f at Pocono Downs this year.