Samaready Retired to Breeding Barn

A two-time Group 1 champion, five-year-old mare Samaready has been retired to stud after failing to fire in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield over the weekend.

Two-time Group 1 winner Samaready has been retired into a career as a brood mare

Two-time Group 1 winner Samaready has been retired into a career as a brood mare. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

A leading performer for trainer Mick Price since first appearing on course in 2011, Samaready finished third in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) on her return to racing this year but has been unable to figure in contention over three competitive starts since.

Following the More Than Ready mare’s disappointing run for ninth after jumping clear favourite in Saturday’s How Now Stakes, Price perhaps underlined a likely retirement when revealing he did not want to keep Samaready in work if incapable of success through the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival.

“She did pull her right-front plate off and they never run well when they do that but it’s a difficult time of the year being September 20,” Price said after the race.

“Do you go to stud or do you continue on? I don’t want to continue on if we’re not going to get a result with her.”

Owned by the Vinery Stud Syndicate, representative Connor Phelan told Racing Victoria Samaready will be settled into her new home and will be served this season by renowned stallion All Too Hard.

“She will be returning to Vinery Stud and retired to the breeding barn,” Phelan said.

“We will settle her in and tee-up a visit to Black Caviar’s half-brother All Too Hard.

“His first crop of foals were truly exceptional; he is very good mating and a great way to start her.”

Securing a commendable record of six wins and two minor places from just 13 competitive starts, Samaready immediately announced her arrival over her debut preparation; winning each of her first four starts including the featured Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) before running a credible third behind Pierro and Snitzerland in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).

Returning over the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival in similarly devastating form, the mare out of Samar charged home to win Theshark.com.au Stakes (1100m) before registering an impressive four length victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) on September 27th; returning to the paddock after suffering respiratory issues during the running on the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) in October.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.