Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Winner Iridessa Retired
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Iridessa wins the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita Park
Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) winner Iridessa has been retired and sold to Japanese interests, according to a report from European Bloodstock News.
The 4-year-old daughter of Ruler of The World took the Bet365 Fillies Mile (G1) in 2018 as a 2-year-old. At 3, she beat Magic Wand in the Juddmonte Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) and turned back Hermosa in the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes (G1). Her 2019 Breeders' Cup win, which proved to be the final start of her career, came by a neck over Vasilika at Santa Anita Park, with champion Sistercharlie 2 1/2 lengths back in third.
Owned by Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez, Iridessa was trained by Joseph O'Brien and was bred by his family out of the Danehill mare Senta's Dream under their Whisperview Trading banner.
A spokesperson for the owner told EBN: "Unfortunately, we received devastating news from Ireland on Thursday. Iridessa had struck into herself while in her box and caused damage to a tendon.
"It could have been a lot worse but it is bad enough to put her out of action for a long time, possibly a year, and, even given a full recovery, Joseph O'Brien advised us that it would be less than certain that she could regain her best form.
"The decision to retire her has therefore already been made, and a sale to Japan agreed. This has all happened very quickly, within 24 hours in fact, and I'm so pleased she will go to a top breeder, while at the same time disappointed.
"Iridessa really matured last year, her win at the Breeders' Cup was the icing on the cake, and we were hoping she would do to the boys what she did to the fillies last year."