Harmony Lodge retired

Harmony Lodge, a Grade 1-winning sprinter, has retired from racing and will be bred to A.P. Indy in 2005, owners Eugene and Laura Melnyk announced Thursday. A 6-year-old Hennessy mare, Harmony Lodge will join the Melnyks' broodmare band at their Winding Oaks Farm in Ocala, Fla.

The Melnyks decided to retire her when she developed inflammation in her right front ankle, trainer Todd Pletcher said.

The Melnyks purchased Harmony Lodge for $1.65 million at the Fasig-Tipton Calder juvenile sale in 2000, and the filly developed into a major stakes performer. She equaled Saratoga's track record of 1:03.54 for 5 1/2 furlongs in winning her debut at 2.

Her best season came in 2003, when she won five stakes, most notably Saratoga's Grade 1 Ballerina Handicap and Belmont's Grade 2 Gallant Bloom.

This year, Harmony Lodge's best score came in the Grade 3 First Lady Handicap at Gulfstream.

Harmony Lodge leaves the races with 10 victories from 24 starts and earnings of $851,120.

- additional reporting by David Grening