The racing world is in shock at the death of a legend. Panty Raid, a nickname that resonated around the sport with superiority, was euthanized at 21 due to the frailties that had afflicted her with old age. Her owner, Godolphin, made the announcement, which brought a tearful outpouring from fans who adored her on-track success as much as in her second life as a broodmare.

For those who followed her career, this isn’t just the loss of a horse—it’s the end of an era. The bay mare wasn’t just another competitor; she was a force, a fighter, and an icon who left a mark on the industry. But as racing fans celebrate her legacy, some can’t help but reflect on the toll the sport takes on its stars.

A champion on and off the track

Panty Raid wasn’t just a horse; she was a million-dollar mare with a resume that demanded respect. Bred at Heaven Trees Farm, she stormed onto the racing scene with a mix of speed and stamina that made her a Grade 1 winner on both dirt and turf. Under Hall of Fame conditioner Todd Pletcher, she accumulated a phenomenal 2007 campaign with a victory in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), American Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1T), and Spinster Stakes (G1).

Her career earnings exceeded $1 million, which is a testament to her superiority in a field full of talented fillies. But as she was making her mark in racing annals, circumstances had something different in store. After 10 racing appearances, Panty Raid retired with a seventh in the 2008 Doubledogdare Stakes (G3). Her racing days were short, but her impact did not cease.

The horse racing community observed her transition into breeding, with John Ferguson paying a hefty $2.5 million for her at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton November Sale on behalf of Godolphin. She proceeded to have 10 foals, including Proxy, a Grade 1-winning horse who is currently a breeding stallion, and Micheline, a G2-winning racehorse who is now a broodmare. In her racing life as well, Panty Raid just kept on rising.

Fans react to the loss: A farewell full of emotion for Panty Raid

Panty Raid’s death sent a wave of emotions from fans. Some fans could not believe that she lived until she was 21, as her racing days seemed just yesterday. “So sad. Just can’t believe she was 21. Seems like yesterday. She’ll be missed,” a fan answered, reflecting on a racehorse’s short life.

While some mourned her death with emotional postings, some also quoted the harsh realities of racing. Despite its designation as “old age” in racing jargon, some opined that 21 did not necessarily mean a horse had to be put down. A sharply critical reaction noted, “21 is ‘old age’ only for a racehorse. Injured and used-up after only 10 starts, PR endured further exploitation…an animal doesn’t own anything but her life, and the racing industry still managed to steal that.”

Others took a break to think about her as a human being as much as a company. Many nostalgically remembered her riding, especially in her 2007 championship campaign. “Loved her … another of my all-time favs … 2007 Alabama picture here if my memory serves me correctly. RIP … thanks for the memories,” another commenter noted, reminiscing about those days that Panty Raid dominated.

Discussion about her racing life as well as care involved a shared appreciation that she could give pleasure to those that supported her. Some sympathized with her life once racing, with another stating, “Loved watching her race, routed for her every time. 😢10 foals? Poor girl.”Her high production rate raised a question about the physical toll that work as a broodmare can take on a retired racehorse.

No matter which opinion you held, sentiment across the board was that Panty Raid was a remarkable horse with a lasting impact.

Panty Raid is gone, but her reputation is not. Her foals are still racing and continuing to impact the sport, with her name in breeding lines in many a succeeding generation. Her son Proxy, a Grade 1-winning horse, is at Darley as a stallion carrying on her line. Her daughter Micheline is also carrying on her mother’s work as a broodmare, breeding winners in a new generation.

The racing is swift, and new stars will be born, but in the hearts of those who remember Panty Raid, she will always be regarded as the filly that made heads turn, as the mare that made a difference, as the horse that saw a nation grieve over her death. RIP Panty Raid—your story isn’t over.