07/20/2012 6:20PM

Del Mar: Belle Royale retired after injury

By Steve Andersen
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Benoit & Associates
Belle Royale, with Joel Rosario riding, wins the Gamely.

DEL MAR, Calif. - Belle Royale, the winner of the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes at Hollywood Park in May, has been retired and sent to Kentucky to be bred next year, trainer Simon Callaghan said.

Callaghan said earlier this month that Belle Royale had suffered a tendon injury that jeopardized her racing career. After consulting with veterinarians, Callaghan and owner Michael Tabor opted to end her racing career, which included 10 wins in 26 starts and earnings of $358,231.

She raced primarily in England, and made two starts in the United States, beginning with a win in the American Beauty Stakes at Santa Anita in April.

“It’s very disappointing,” Callaghan said. “She’s as good a filly as I’ve trained. We thought she’d be a major factor at the Breeders’ Cup at the end of the year.”

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JoyJackson21 More than 1 year ago
I'm so sorry to hear that Belle Royale will be retiring. I totally enjoyed her race in the Gamely Stakes, she is a very fine filly. Very, very talented. She looked like she was improving in ther last race, too. I'm going to miss her. Good luck to you, Belle Royale, in the future, and have a good time during your long 'vacation' and in being a mama - you're going to be a good mama. Look at her picture above - she's certainly very pretty. Belle Royale, may your babies all inherit your good looks and your talent!
Ann Maree More than 1 year ago
Far too many recently are being retired prematurely, it seems.
Mick More than 1 year ago
A very fine filly who, as good as she already was, still had room to improve. I saw her fly home in her stakes win at Santa Anita in April, she greatly impressed me that day, and even more in the Gamely. Such a shame.