High-class mare Orchestral retired due to heart condition
Dual Group 1 winner Orchestral has been retired.
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained daughter of Savabeel 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 three-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 went on to win the $1 million 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 $2.7 million.
“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,” Wellwood said.
“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.”
