NEWS
Champion Rags to Riches retired
Posted: Monday, March 24, 2008 2:03 PM
RAGS TO RICHES
Benoit & Associates photo
Champion Rags to Riches, who became the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont Stakes (G1) when she defeated eventual Horse of the Year Curlin last June, has been retired after re-injuring her right front pastern.
“She has re-injured her right front pastern and because of the timing, the decision was made to retire her as opposed to trying to bring her back in the fall,” trainer Todd Pletcher said.
Owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith will breed their four-year-old A. P. Indy filly to Giant’s Causeway at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.
Rags to Riches concluded her championship season—and ultimately her racing career—on September 15 at Belmont Park with a second-place finish to Lear’s Princess in the Gazelle Stakes (G1). She won five of six starts last year, including the Kentucky (G1) and Santa Anita (G1) Oaks in addition to her classic score.
Rags to Riches had suffered a hairline fracture in the Gazelle. Her connections initially planned a four-year-old campaign, and Rags to Riches worked twice at Palm Beach Downs before suffering the career-ending injury.
“It's a sad day for racing and all of her fans,” Pletcher said. “She will go down in the history books as one of the best fillies ever to run. With the tremendous family that she comes from, she should make a terrific broodmare. We are excited for her and the prospects that lie ahead.”
Rags to Riches won five of seven starts and earned $1,342,528. She was the second consecutive Belmont Stakes winner out Better Than Honour, by Deputy Minister, dam of Jazil.
“She is a lovely mare and we feel she will cross with [Giant’s Causeway] very well,” Tabor said.
Giant’s Causway stands at Ashford Stud for $125,000.
