Peppers Pride: 19 19-0-0 formally retired to the shed .. in KY

[Glimmerglass]

Never say, “never”: DRF 12-15-08 6pm “Peppers Pride may not be done”

Peppers Pride, who is scheduled to gallop Tuesday, will soon have an exam to test her “breeding soundness,” and decisions will follow, Marr said. He noted that there are two upcoming races at Sunland that would suit Peppers Pride, but the one he and Allen would prefer for her, the $100,000 Sydney Valentini Handicap for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at a mile, is not until March 22.

“There’s not a lot of options anywhere close, time-wise or mile-wise, that we would be looking for,” Marr said.

Allen on Monday afternoon was thumbing through a stallion directory, looking at prospects for Peppers Pride. He said he is most interested in sons of A.P. Indy. Peppers Pride is a daughter of the Fappiano stallion Desert God and her dam is Lady Pepper, a daughter of Chili Pepper. Allen said Peppers Pride could be bred to a stallion in Kentucky or to one in New Mexico.

“There’s still a remote possibility that we might breed her in the state and stay with the state program,” he said.

[VirginiaBred]

She is amazing. The video gave me goosebumps.

[ASB_Stars]

That’s a hell of a mare- she came wide, and just ate them up, giving weight and all. And, as stated, she is no tiny item- yo coul see the width of that chest as she came 'round.

Fabulous stuff. Makes you want to watch again…

[Glimmerglass]

She was awarded her career highest Beyer Speed Figure at 98 for the effort. It is the strength of that victory which must be at play with some of the reconsideration to retiring her. A horse that strong, happy, and damn good at their job is what everyone wants.

Also worth citing and food for thought: she was toting 126-lbs which is the same or higher then Curlin toted in his entire racing career save for the DWC, when he had 128-lbs. By further comparison Zenyatta was carrying 123-lbs in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (G1) this year.

[Tha_Ridge]

Geez, that video is amazing. What a cool mare. And, really, kudos to her owner, trainer and connections for keeping her sound, fit and happy - they don’t run like that when they’re not feeling good. :yes:

[Glimmerglass]

Done - officially!

DRF 1-15-09: “Peppers Pride retired, will be bred in Kentucky”

Peppers Pride, who owns the longest winning streak in modern North American history has been retired, her trainer Joel Marr said Thursday morning. She will be sent to Richland Hills Farm in Midway, Ky., in the next few weeks, said Marr. Peppers Pride is currently based at a training center near Sunland Park in New Mexico.

Stallion plans are still being finalized, according to Marr.

Peppers Pride was undefeated in 19 career starts while exclusively in her home state of New Mexico. She made her final career start on Dec. 14 in the $125,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap at Sunland Park.

“She’s coming off the best race of her career,” Marr said. “She’s sound, heallthy, and rather than run another whole season it seemed like the right thing to do.”

[Lady_Counselor]

Wow that is awesome! Unbeaten. I will miss her, but it’s the best way to be retired.

[tbmorgan]

Looks like she’s being bred to Tiznow. I’ll be looking forward to seeing that foal!

Katja

[Glimmerglass]

Interesting back story on Pepper from the Associated Press - although not exactly breaking news on the retirement

AP Jan 21, 2009 “Record-setting NM thoroughbred retires”

Marr said Peppers Pride is expected to be paired with Tiznow, the two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic champion.

Jockey Carlos Madeira was aboard for all of Peppers Pride’s victories. She never raced outside New Mexico and all of her wins came against fillies and mares.

Marr said he and owner Joe Allen of Abilene, Texas, considered entering her in winter meets at Santa Anita or Hollywood Park but that would have meant waiting another year to breed her.

They also “got a few offers” for match races, but no challenger was willing to travel to New Mexico. Marr said he was reluctant to run Peppers Pride in an unfamiliar environment or on a synthetic surface for that kind of event.

“We saw no sense in putting her at a disadvantage,” he said.

So if a suitable horse (and purse) had shipped into NM for a match race it would’ve been on like Donkey Kong? Interesting.

“Sure, there’s some curiosity about what else she could have done,” Marr said. “You always think, ‘What if?’ but I don’t regret the decision. She deserves to retire healthy and sound. She’s done enough.”

[texang73]

Also, this article from the El Paso TX Times:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_11512961

[Glimmerglass]

[QUOTE=texang73;3825602]
Also, this article from the El Paso TX Times:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_11512961[/QUOTE]

Same article

El Paso just rebroadcasted the Associated Press one

[texang73]

Oops… can you tell I didn’t read the one you posted?! :lol:

[Barnfairy]

It’s alright; the sentiments within bore repeating.

:lol: (laughing with you.)

[texang73]

Thanks BF! :D:lol:

[Barnfairy]

Peppers Pride has left the building…

…and has arrived in Kentucky where her betrothed awaits…

[selah]

…in hopes of exciting a little Fappiano/In Reality nick…

http://www.werkhorse.com/success_stories/the_real_quiet_story.shtml

[Barnfairy]

Oooh, dapples…

…in her picture which accompanies the TB Times article about her move to Kentucky – written, appropriately enough, by Laura Pepper.

[texang73]

Awesome! Thanks for posting BF. She looks gorgeous in that pic!

Glad she arrived well and fingers crossed for a successful mating.

[Glimmerglass]

She’s in foal to Tiznow - Apr 28, 2009

Peppers Pride, the New Mexico-bred mare who in January retired undefeated in 19 starts, has been confirmed in foal to the 2000 Horse of the Year, Tiznow, on a March 23 cover, according to Nathan Fox, president of Richland Hills Farm in Midway, Ky.

Peppers Pride, who owns the longest winning streak in modern North American history, is scheduled to foal out at Richland Hills next year. She is owned by her breeder, Joe Allen.

[Barnfairy]

Hooray!

(and glad to see that vetrap beating didn’t leave you down for the count, Glimmerglass)