“Been a Lot of Fun”: As Champion Mare Retires From Horse Racing Scene, Thoroughbred Racehorse Breeder Goes Candid

Retirements signal the end of an incredible journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the constantly changing fabric of horse racing. This is particularly the case for the Mizzen Mast mare from Pennsylvania whose remarkable career culminated in a memorable win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in 2022. In the 6-year-old’s farewell remarks to the racing community, the breeder shared some details about retirement and future goals.

Horse racing sensation’s retirement tribute

Seasoned trainer and breeder Elizabeth Merryman, bids farewell to Caravel. The mare’s present owners, Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel, and Madaket Stables, decided to put her into retirement rather than seek a private sale. Merryman told DRF, “The ownership group has very much kept me in the loop, and it’s been a lot of fun enjoying her successes.”

This came after a spirited bid of $2.4 million at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale where the offer fell short for her owners. Consequently, the current owners chose to retain Caravel, envisioning her wintering at Hunter Valley Farm in Kentucky for broodmare duties. And ultimately will be bred to the illustrious Triple Crown winner, Justify reported Lancaster Farming.

Caravel and Justify were paired in the breeding shed for strategic reasons. Justify, who is based at Ashford Stud in Kentucky, is a popular choice for the turf-specialist Caravel because of his impressive track record as a sire on both dirt and turf. Meanwhile, freshly retired Caravel’s records are no less impressive.

Looking back at Caravel’s legacy

Caravel leaves the competing scenes with a remarkable record and total earnings of $1,983,327. She leaves a legacy of 13 career stakes wins, including two Grade 1 victories against male competitors at Keeneland in the Turf Sprint in 2022 and the Jaipur Stakes at Belmont this year along with an impressive debut stakes victory. Her noteworthy presence continued to the Breeders’ Cup, where she made her last appearance just days before her bid at Keeneland in the Turf Sprint this year at Santa Anita.

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As Caravel enjoys her well-earned retirement, breeder Elizabeth Merryman is grateful for the opportunity to have seen and raised such a remarkable talent. Caravel’s story adds another thread to the rich tapestry of horse racing history in an industry where retirements signal the end of a chapter.

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