Winter Memories Retired

Winter Memories (El Prado out of Memories of Silver by Silver Hawk) recent winner of the Grade I Diana Stakes at Saratoga, multiple Grade I winner and millionaire, has been retired from racing.  Home bred Winter Memories ran in the colors of the owners, Phillips Racing Partnership, and trained by Jim Toner. 

“This was a total surprise to everyone concerned,” reported John Phillips, Manager of the family Racing Partnership, “Winter Memories had trained flawlessly up to the Diana, raced impressively, and was happy to be back on the track again.  She looks and acts great but two days ago her ankles were a little warm despite flexing well, precautionary x-rays were taken and the results were crushing news, an uncommon degenerative bone disease.  The irony is I don’t think I have ever been around a more sound horse.”

“Jim Toner did a superb job, we feel terrible for him and the crew but he understands that Winter Memories represents five generations of horses for Darby Dan and we can not and will not risk their safety."

"We are terribly disappointed of course and, while I admit to being totally biased, I think she is the best in her division with the kind of athleticism that left you in near disbelief of her ability to overcome.  She never finished off the board winning eight of twelve starts.  Winter Memories has been an incredible blessing for the family and Darby Dan.”

Arrangements are being made to ship Winter Memories back to Darby Dan where she will join her dam, Grade I winner Memories of Silver and her two half sisters in the broodmare band.  La Cloche by Ghostzapper, another half sister, was the winner of The Voodoo Dancer Stakes at Belmont in July.  La Cloche remains in training with Jim Toner.  A half brother by Tiznow will be offered for sale in the first night of the September Keeneland sale. 

No breeding plans have been formulated yet.