Stonestreet: Rachel's Valentina Retired
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Rachel's Valentina
Stonestreet Stables' homebred filly Rachel's Valentina, who is out of Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, has been retired, Stonestreet announced via its website July 24.
No reason was given, but Stonestreet said the 3-year-old by Bernardini "will now retire from racing, sound and injury-free."
Rachel's Valentina, trained by Todd Pletcher, won her debut at Saratoga Race Course last summer and followed up with a victory in the Spinaway Stakes (gr. I) at the New York track. She then raced in the 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and finished second, 5 3/4 lengths behind 2-year-old filly champion Songbird, who remains undefeated in nine starts.
This year Rachel's Valentina finished second, beaten a neck by Weep No More and a head in front of eventual Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Cathryn Sophia, in the Central Bank Ashland Stakes (gr. I). She was favored in her next two starts but finished sixth in the Kentucky Oaks and fifth in the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I).
Rachel's Valentina retires with $738,800 in earnings. Rachel Alexandra, raced for most of her career by Stonestreet, will be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in August.