Lael Stables' She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}–Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready), last season's Eclipse champion turf female, has been retired from racing, according to the DRF Monday.
“She had an issue that just was going to take even longer to resolve, and she'd have no time for a campaign,” trainer Cherie DeVaux told DRF. “She kept needing more time.”
Winner of the GI Natalma Stakes at Woodbine at two, she concluded the season with a third-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.
At three, the Payson Stud bred won three of five starts, including Keeneland's GI Queen Elizabeth II Cup and GI American Oaks at Santa Anita. Last season, the Kentucky-bred annexed Churchill's GIII Modesty Stakes and GI New York Stakes at the Spa before a narrow defeat in the GI Diana Stakes.
In what would be her final two career starts, the chestnut won the GI E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine before finishing a half-length back in second to Geroza (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar.
From the family of dual Group 1 winner Act One (GB) (In The Wings {GB}), the 5-year-old was a $240,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase.
She Feels Pretty retires with eight wins from 18 starts and earnings of $2,500,592.
DeVaux said on X Monday: “It's hard to put into words what this filly has meant to me–not just as a trainer, but personally. Horses like her don't come around often. She gave us everything she had, every single time, with a kind of heart and class that you simply can't teach.”
“I am incredibly grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson for trusting me with such an extraordinary filly. Their belief and support made this journey possible, and I will never take that for granted.”
“She Feels Pretty has left an undeniable mark on my career. She elevated our entire program, brought unforgettable moments, and reminded me why we do this every day. I will always be proud to have been a part of her story.
“While it's never easy to say goodbye to the racetrack, I am so excited for her next chapter and welcoming baby pretties.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
