Dual Group 1 Winning Mare Suavito Retired

After a mediocre start to the spring connections of the Nigel Blackiston-trained dual Group 1 winning mare Suavito have pulled the pin on her racing career with the daughter of Thorn Park stud-bound.

Suavito

Dual Group 1 winner Suavito has been retired to serve as a broodmare in New Zealand. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The six-year-old is best known for her elite level wins in last year’s Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and this February’s Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) both at Caulfield Racecourse.

She had two runs this campaign finishing unplaced in both.

The first was a close sixth to Miss Rose De Lago in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m), but the disappointing 10th to Awesome Rock at Moonee Valley on September 3 in the Group 2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) turned out to be her final race appearance.

A winner of over $1.3 million in prize money over her 24-start career that produced eight wins, four seconds and four thirds, Suavito will begin her new career as a broodmare at Waikato Stud in New Zealand.

The New Zealand-bred mare underwent surgery after her Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival campaign last year, the Flemington-based Blackiston thrilled the team were able to get another elite level win under her belt in the autumn.

“She suffered a minor bone-chip as her 2015 spring campaign was just getting started, requiring four months spell,” Blackiston Racing said in a post on their website.

“That extended break saw her return stronger than ever to score another Group 1 win in the 2016 Orr Stakes, again at Caulfield.

“Along with Littorio’s first-up victory in the 2011 Maybe Diva Stakes after a long lay-off, this was one of Nigel’s most pleasing achievements as a trainer.

“Our stable staff and track riders, particularly Gemma Hayward, have played a key role throughout Suavito’s career.

“Her race record is also a great reward for them, and for our team of vets (Emma Nicol, Equivets Victoria), farriers (Mick Grogan and team), agistment partners (Fulmen Park) and physio therapist (Kate Sagar).

“They are so important in every horse’s career, even more so when returning from injury.

“Suavito’s presence in our stable will of course be missed, but we are thrilled to have experienced the ride that she has given us and her connections.

Blackiston Racing confirmed Suavito will first be served by super sire Savabeel who won the 2004 Cox Plate as a three-year-old.

“We wish her and her new owners, Waikato Stud, all the best. She will be served by Savabeel in coming weeks,” the statement said.

“We look forward to seeing a younger Suavi on the racecourse one day in the future with a similar spirit and will to win.”

About The Author

Lucy Henderson

Lucy is an experienced horse racing journalist that has been a crucial member of the horseracing.com.au team for the better part of a decade. She has taken great delight in covering champion mares Black Caviar and Winx throughout their careers and always has a soft spot for a winning filly.