Grade 1 winner Claret Beret dies from possible cardiac event following workout

Claret Beret, the leading older dirt female in Daily Racing Form’s latest division ratings, died suddenly from a possible cardiac episode back at her barn shortly after a routine workout at the Palm Meadows training center on Friday.

Claret Beret, a 5-year-old daughter of Not This Time, moved to the top of her division following her eye catching 4 1/2-length victory over the 4-5 favorite Nitrogen in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom on April 11 at Oaklawn Park. Her performance was flattered even further after Shred the Gnar, who Claret Beret defeated decisively when capturing the Grade 3 Royal Delta at Gulfstream Park earlier this winter, returned to win the Grade 1 La Troienne in her subsequent start.

Claret Beret, who breezed four furlongs in 49.55 seconds just prior to her untimely passing, posted seven victories from 19 lifetime starts for career earnings in excess of $1.1 million. She was purchased by Miller Racing and turned over to trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. following a fifth-place finish against allowance/optional-claiming opposition at Oaklawn Park in March of 2025.

“She was an amazing filly. A top-class filly. She was a Grade 1 winner. She’s irreplaceable,” Joseph said on Saturday. “She passed away back at the barn after a routine work. It’s a gut punch. We don’t have any of the answers. Anything that happens [tragically] unexpectedly like that, it always hurts. You have two choices when something like this happens. You can crawl up in the corner or move forward. I believe that God has his way, and it’s not for me to question why, when or what.”

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