Grade I winner Illuminant (Quality Road–Sparkling Number, by Polish Numbers) has been retired from racing after emerging from a workout last week exhibiting signs of minor discomfort, according to trainer Mike McCarthy. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, SF Bloodstock and Sol Kumin said a decision was subsequently made to retire the filly while she was in otherwise healthy condition.
“Illuminant was a brilliant filly,” McCarthy provided. “She did some things in the morning time and come game time that only extraordinary racehorses can do. I have been very fortunate to be around some elite fillies and she ranks right up there with the best of them. We are sad to see her leave the barn because she is so special to me, my family and our team, but we are proud she heads back to Kentucky in good order and ready to go on and tackle her new career as a broodmare.”
Illuminant came into her own in 2016 and notched a Grade I win in the Gamely S. at Santa Anita in May. Laid up for the remainder of the season, she returned in 2017 to annex the Mar. 10 Wishing Well S. in Arcadia and closed out her career with a triumph in that venue's GII Monrovia S. She retires with total earnings of $536,243 and six wins from 14 starts.
“Illuminant was Grade 1 in every sense of the word,” said Aron Wellman, President of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “She was a beast of a mare who took our partners on a magical ride during her career. Michael did a masterful job developing her and it'll be tough to walk down his shedrow and not see that jet black beauty behind a webbing. That said, she owes us nothing and we'll keep a close eye on her offspring as she figures to be an incredible broodmare.”
Originally acquired for $180,000 by Eclipse as an OBS March 2-year-old, Illuminant hammered for $900,000 to SF Bloodstock at Fasig-Tipton's November sale in 2016, with Eclipse ultimately retaining an ownership share.
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