News

Ortensia retired after Scone defeat

21st May 2013

AAP Racing - Warwick Barr - Saturday, 18 May 2013

Outstanding mare Ortensia, who has Group One wins in three countries, has been retired after finishing unplaced in the race named in her honour at Scone on Saturday.

Trainer Paul Messara told stewards the mare had raced for the last time after she laboured into ninth place, four lengths from the winner Satin Shoes in the Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m).

She bows out of racing after Group One triumphs in Australia, Dubai and England among 13 victories which have helped net more than $2.4 million in stakes.

"She felt enormous in the run but she just didn't want to let down in the firm ground," jockey Nash Rawiller said.

Ortensia's retirement came shortly after trainer Grahame Begg announced dual Group One winner Secret Admirer had also run her last race when third in Saturday's Doomben Cup.

Tactics that helped make Satin Shoes one of the best two-year-olds of her generation were revisited with winning results in the Ortensia Stakes.

Satin Shoes raced on the speed under Blake Shinn, drew to a clear lead straightening and then held off Anise in a driving finish to post the sixth win of her career but her first since October, 2011.

"She's at her best when she is allowed to run along and you can use her speed," trainer Clarry Conners said.

"Blake rode her perfectly ... that's the way to ride her."

Satin Shoes had a neck to spare over Darley mare Anise with Border Rebel finishing third, 1-1/4 lengths further back.

Her victory gave Shinn victories in the last two races, meaning the second day of the Scone Cup carnival belonged to just three winning jockeys - himself, Peter Robl (four) and James McDonald (two).