Japanese Star Vodka Retired

Trainer Katsuhiko Sumii announced today that Japan’s reigning Horse of the Year, Vodka, has been retired after it was found she bled after the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 on Thursday in Dubai.  The 6-year-old mare finished a disapppointing 8th in the prep race for the Dubai World Cup.

As a 3-year-old, Vodka became the first filly to win the Japan Derby in over 60 years.  Voted Horse of the Year in Japan for both 2008 and 2009, the daughter of Tanino Gimlet (Jpn) ran third in the Japan Cup as a 4-year-old.  Vodka reportedly bled during her win in the Japan Cup in 2009 and the Maktoum Challenge was her first race back.

The bay mare was expected to contest the $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1) later this month in the hopes of surpassing Thoroughbred racing’s all time earnings record held by T.M. Opera O ($16,200,337).  Vodka holds the earnings record for a female ($13,147,826).  She retires with a record of 26-10-5-3, with seven wins coming in Group One races.

Sumii reported that Vodka would be bred to 2009 European Horse of the Year, Sea the Stars.