'A Pleasure To Train' – Varian's Group 1 Heroine Teona Retired After Setback

Teona (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}–Ambivalent {Ire}, by Authorized {Ire}), best known for taking the scalp of Snowfall (Jpn) in the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp last season, has been retired to the paddocks after suffering a setback in training.

One of the most talented horses Roger Varian has ever trained, Teona went on to finish third in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf behind Yibir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) at Del Mar last term, but had yet to reappear this season.

Varian revealed on Friday that Teona, owned by Ali Saeed, will embark on a career as a broodmare after picking up an injury.

Speaking on Twitter, Varian said, “We are disappointed to report that Teona has met with a season-ending injury and will be retired. She was a pleasure to train and can now enjoy her second career as a broodmare.”

Teona graced the track just seven times but, as she showed in Paris, was electric on her day. That Prix Vermeille victory was her only top-flight success but she did win a listed event at Windsor–the Sytner BMW Sunningdale August S.–during her 3-year-old campaign.

A half-sister to the G2 Prix Hocquart victor Al Hilalee (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Teona is from a high-class family and her dam, Ambivalent, carried Saeed's colours to Group 1 glory when winning the Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh in 2013.