Toronto, ON – Champion mare Financingavailable has been retired to the breeding shed.
The 16-time winner, who has been a fan favorite at Woodbine for a couple of years, was being pointed to the Bessarabian Stakes, November 25, until an ultrasound revealed a small ligament tear, said trainer Lorne Richards, in a telephone interview Thursday morning. Richards said the issue is minor, but not worth risking a more serious injury to the Canadian-bred daughter of Kiridashi.
“I couldn’t in good conscience take her over there (to race),” said the disappointed conditioner, about starting her again. “I wouldn’t do it to a cheap one, let alone the best one I’ve ever had.”
For the ligament to heal to 100 per cent, Financingavailable would need to be off for an extended period of time. “She would be out six or eight months. To come back is asking a lot. There’s always a chance of it happening again,” said Richards. “We had a good run. It had to end sooner or later.”
Financingavailable won 10 added-money events and was stakes-placed in eight other contests.
Richards said it appears Sangara will retain ownership of Financingavailable and find her a mate in early 2008.
“She’s a special horse. We’re going to breed her,” said Richards, adding that plan is that the eventual 2009 foal be born in Canada.
“She’s not a well-bred mare, but good breeding has to start somewhere. The things that you can’t see are the best things about her,” added Richards, referring to the six-year-old mare’s tremendous courage.
Financingavailable retires with earnings of $1,257,832. She was 5-for-7 with this season with stakes scores in the Ballade and Ontario Fashion, and repeat triumphs in the Victoriana and Classy ‘N Smart. Over the course of her career, she has also won the Algoma, Jammed Lovely, Bessarabian and Sweet Briar Too Stakes.
The gray is the front-runner to be named Canada’s champion older dirt filly or mare for the second consecutive year.
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