From an emotional standpoint, it’s never easy for an owner when a star Thoroughbred heads to the breeding shed. But for Michael Lund Petersen, the announcement that his three-time grade 1-winning 5-year-old mare Adare Manor has been retired, first reported by Thoroughbred Daily News, included some solace in knowing he enjoyed something special during her four years of racing.
I wish all of my horses ran like her,” Petersen said. “She’s been a dream. What a horse she is and such incredible results. It’s amazing. She is also the sweetest horse you will ever be around. I am a very proud owner.”
A winner of 10 of 18 starts with five seconds for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, Petersen said the decision to retire the $2-million earning daughter of Uncle Mo was based on Baffert’s belief that she would not be ready for the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar.
Adare Manor won three of her four 2024 starts, including the Aug. 3 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1), which was her last race, Santa Margarita Stakes (G2), and Apple Blossom Stakes (G1). She was second in the Beholder Mile Stakes (G1) to start the year and rates as a top contender for the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Older Dirt Female depending on what happens in the upcoming Distaff.
In her career, she won eight stakes, including the grade 1 Hirsch twice. She was bred by Town & Country Horse Farms and Gary Broad out of the Giant Gizmo mare Brooklynsway.
Adare Manor was bought by bloodstock agent Donato Lanni for $375,000 from the Julie Davies consignment at the 2021 OBS June 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age Sale.