In the days following discovery of a “chip” in her sesamoid bone, all appeared normal for champion Unique Bella, Del Mar’s publicity department reported, aside from a “cast-like bandage” on her right-front foot.
Owner Don Alberto Stable won’t take a chance on racing her again, however, with the 4-year-old Tapit filly retired in August and on Wednesday set to ship to Kentucky to begin her next career as a broodmare.
Connections, including Dan Ward, assistant trainer to Jerry Hollendorfer, had their chance to say goodbye to a horse that won nine of 12 starts and earned more than $1.2 million.
“Blessed to have the chance to work with her every day since April of 2016,” Ward posted to Instagram. “Special filly with a sweet personality.”
XBTV’s Zoe Cadman also visited the gray filly this week as she stood “statuesque” in a pen at Del Mar.
The Don Alberto Corporation in 2013 paid nearly $14 million for a Lexington, Ky., farm measuring more than 400 acres. That’s where Unique Bella is expected to call home as she begins a new phase in life.