Grade I Winner Stopchargingmaria Retired

Reigning Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) winner Stopchargingmaria has been retired from racing, according to Shannon Potter, president of Town and Country Racing.

With 14 in-the-money finishes from 18 starts, including nine victories, Stopchargingmaria ends her career with grade I wins in the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks and Alabama Stakes for previous owner Mike Repole, and the Breeders' Cup Distaff for the mother/daugher team of Louise Courtelis and Kiki Courtelis, the owners of Town and Country Racing. Todd Pletcher trained the daughter of Tale of the Cat  —Exotic Bloom, by Montbrook, her entire career.

"She has always been a horse that is easy to read," Potter said Sept. 7. "She's shown this year that she is not feeling it anymore, so she came home yesterday happy and sound."

The Courtelis acquired Stopchargingmaria after Repole offered her through the 2014 Fasig-Tipton November sale, where she brought a final bid of $3.15 million but failed to meet her reserve price. The Courtelis contacted Repole after the sale through Pletcher, bought her privately, and returned her to racing. In Town and Country's colors, Stopchargingmaria won the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes (gr. III) and the Shuvee Handicap (gr. III) on her way to winning the Distaff. Just in 2015, she earned $1.43 million of her $3,014,000 in career earnings. 

ANGST: Stopchargingmaria Prevails With Distaff Win

For each year she raced from 2 to 5, Stopcharginmaria won or placed in a grade I stakes.

"Stopchargingmaria is not only one of the best fillies we have had in our barn. She has become part of the family," Pletcher said. "She deserves a great retirement."

Potter said no plans have been discussed regarding breeding the mare next year.

"We have not got around to those discussions yet," he said. "She has given us the biggest thrill we've had in racing, so we are just enjoying having her on the farm."

Kiki Courtelis, who is the chief executive officer of Town and Country Racing, said she had hoped to watch Stopchargingmaria defend her title this year but that it was more important to have her retire in good health.

"She has given us so much joy. It is our turn to give back to her by honoring her wishes," Kiki Courtelis said. "We are thrilled to have her home sound."