Lava Man retires as richest claiming horse

Lava Man was retired Wednesday in Del Mar, Calif., as thoroughbred racing’s richest claiming horse after X-rays revealed changes in the horse’s front ankles.

The 7-year-old gelding was claimed for $50,000 at Del Mar in 2004 and finished his career with earnings of $5,268,706, and 17 wins in 46 starts.

In 2006, Lava Man became the first horse to win the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic in the same year. He won three consecutive Gold Cups, from 2005-07, matching Native Diver’s feat.

But Lava Man hadn’t visited the winner’s circle since June 30, 2007, ending his career on a six-race losing streak. He finished last in his final start, the Eddie Read Handicap on July 20 at Del Mar.

Steve Kenly of STD Racing Stable, who co-owns Lava Man with Jason Wood, decided to retire Lava Man after the horse underwent exams at a clinic in Los Olivos, Calif.

Basketball

Deng gets new deal

Restricted free agent forward Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls have agreed to six-year contract that could be worth as much as $80 million.

The new deal would include $71 million in guaranteed money.

Deng averaged 17 points and 6.3 rebounds last season.

•Ricky Davis can’t wait to reunite on the court with Baron Davis, his former teammate in Charlotte. The two guards are part of the Los Angeles Clippers’ biggest roster overhaul in recent years.

Ricky Davis, an unrestricted free agent, averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Miami Heat last season.

•Businessman and former NBA great Dave Bing said he’s seriously considering running for mayor of Detroit because of scandals surrounding the incumbent and other problems in the city where he played for most of his Hall-of-Fame career.

Miscellany

Detroit keeps Filppula

Valtteri Filppula will be back with the Detroit Red Wings next season. The restricted free agent center signed a $15 million, five-year contract that keeps him under contract through the 2012-13 season.

•The Indy Racing League’s IndyCar Series will debut in Long Beach, Calif., and Toronto next season. The Grand Prix of Long Beach will be run on April 19, while the Streets of Toronto race is slated for July 12.

•Penn State defensive tackles Chris Baker and Phil Taylor, who were involved in off-field fights last year, have been kicked off the team by coach Joe Paterno. No information was available on why they were dismissed.

•Italian cyclist Riccardo Ricco admitted that he made a “mistake,” taking responsibility after testing positive for the blood-booster EPO during the Tour de France.

The 24-year-old Ricco won two stages this month with the Saunier-Duval team before being kicked out of the race.

•Children aren’t at risk for lead exposure from synthetic athletic fields, according to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The commission evaluated synthetic athletic fields after lead was detected on some New Jersey fields, raising worry about exposure to children.