Dual group 1 winner Orchestral has been retired.
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained mare suffered an atrial fibrillation when running 10th in last month’s group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, and the decision was made to bring the curtain down on her racing career.
"Unfortunately, she had an atrial fibrillation in the race and her heart hasn’t come back to a normal rhythm," Wellwood said.
"That counts her out as being a racing prospect, so she has been officially retired and is going to be a mum."
Orchestral was a standout on the track, particularly as a 3-year-old, when she strung together five consecutive wins, including the Karaka Millions 3YO, group 2 Avondale Guineas, group 1 New Zealand Derby and group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes, before placing in the group 1 Australian Derby.
Last season, she won the $1million Aotearoa Classic and placed in the group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic, bringing her career tally to seven wins and four placings from 18 starts with earnings north of $2.7m.
"She has been a wonderful mare," Wellwood said.
"When you look back through her record, you pinch yourself that you are involved with a horse like her.
"The Karaka Millions was very exciting. That is probably when she announced herself.
‘‘To be able to win a derby with Roger was a dream come true. I joked with him when we first started training together that he needed to teach me how to win a derby and I remember when he came down the stairs after the derby and he said, ‘Job done’.
"To win a group 1 in Australia just capped it off. She really showed her class.
‘‘She is certainly one out of the box and you feel very privileged to be involved with a horse like her.
"It has been a dream run, and although it is gutting to not have another season with her, we look forward to the Litt family hopefully breeding some superstars from her.
"We have unfortunately missed this [breeding] season. She will have a nice break for 10 or 11 months and look for a boyfriend in the new season." — LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
By Joshua Smith
