Dual Group One winner Scarlett Lady has been retired after pulling up sore from Saturday’s BMW at Rosehill.
The mare was eased down by James McDonald and finished 40 lengths from Manighar in the Group One BMW (2400m) and owner Max Whitby and trainer Graeme Rogerson made the decision to retire her.
“We’ve got all the X-rays and there are a few issues including some arthritis,” Whitby said.
“It isn’t anything to do with the injury she had in the spring.
“If it was another horse you might keep racing her but you can’t do that at her level.
“I haven’t decided yet whether we will sell her or keep her to breed from or keep a share in her.
“It’s sad but it’s over.”
Scarlett Lady won the 2011 Queensland Oaks and was the early favourite for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Her campaign ended when she was found to have an injury after an unplaced run in the Underwood Stakes.
Her return in February was cause for excitement when she won over 1600 metres then at her next start a month later took out the Group One New Zealand Stakes (2000m).
She came to Sydney for the Ranvet Stakes and BMW but failed in both weight-for-age races.
Scarlett Lady is a daughter of 2004 Cox Plate winner Savabeel who Rogerson trained for a syndicate which included Whitby.
Her 16-start career yielded eight wins and two second-place finishes.
