Best Confirms Retirement of Blue Prize From Racing

Rumors float like dust particles around the Thoroughbred industry, so it was no surprise when word began to circulate at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale that maybe, just maybe, racing days weren't quite over yet for Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) winner Blue Prize.

With tantalizing big-money prospects on the table like the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), Saudi Cup, and Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), temptation has never been stronger to drop a prime runner in the entry box just one more time. But a word with owner Larry Best—who bought the Pure Prize mare for $5 million Nov. 5 at The November Sale, Fasig-Tipton's mixed breeding stock sale in Lexington—set the record straight. Best is sticking to his guns with Blue Prize and has retired the mare as he said he would when he signed the ticket.  

"She's going out on top," Best said Nov. 8. "A lot of people came up to me and said, 'Saudi Cup? Dubai?' But the horse has 23 races under her belt, she showed great endurance, and she deserves to go on to her next chapter."

Blue Prize, a three-time grade 1 winner in North America and a group 1 winner in her native Argentina, as well, retired with earnings of $2,692,253 and a 10-8-3 record.

"You know, John Elway did it the right way—he won the Super Bowl and he retired, and that's how I feel about Blue Prize," Best said.

Mating plans for Blue Prize are yet to be determined.