Merriebelle Stable and Resolute Racing’s grade/group 1-winning turf mare Didia , who was being pointed to a title defense in the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T) next month, has been retired.
Trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Correas IV said Dec. 26 that the 6-year-old mare will embark on a new career as a broodmare in 2025.
“Didia is retired. She’s going to be mama,” he said. “She was a very nice horse and she’ll make a great mama.”
After months of trying to acquire her, Resolute’s John Stewart bought into Didia following her popular neck victory over long shot Surprisingly in the Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf Jan. 27 at Gulfstream Park. It was the third North American graded triumph for Didia following the 2023 Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2T) and Modesty Stakes (G3T).
A dual grade 1 winner in her native Argentina, Didia later added a North American grade 1 in the June 7 New York Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course. She ran three more times this year, capped by a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Del Mar.
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She was beaten just a half-length by victorious Moira , nosed out for the place by Cinderella’s Dream . All of the top finishers will likely receive consideration for an Eclipse Award by voters.
Didia had four timed works at Keeneland following the Breeders’ Cup, most recently going four furlongs in :50 2/5 over the all-weather training track. She retires with a record of 11-2-2 and $1,758,484 in purse earnings from 20 starts, the first seven coming in Argentina.
“Every time a good horse leaves your barn, you’re very thankful for everything they have given you. The fact is, they’re not easy to replace,” Correas said. “But we have some new faces. She’s going to be missed, of course, but hopefully someone can take her place.”
One possibility to fill the void is Resolute Racing’s Tutta La Vita, a three-time group 1-placed mare in her native Australia that is entered to make her North American debut in the Dec. 28 opener at Gulfstream, an allowance optional claimer for fillies and mares 3 and up scheduled for one mile on the turf.
“It’s very exciting. She’s training very well. It’s her first time in America and we hope she runs a good race,” Correas said. “She’s done well since she’s been here; if not, we would have waited longer. We’re looking forward to her running.”
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
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