Harness: Two-time Dan Patch winner Bella Bellini retired

According to a story by Debbie Little in Harness Racing Update, two-time United States Harness Writers Association Dan Patch Award winning trotter Bella Bellini has been retired from racing and will pursue a second career as a broodmare. The article states that no firm plans have been made on which stallion she will breed to or whether owner David McDuffee will retain her in full for the next stage of her life.

Bella Bellini finishes her career with 42 on-the-board finishes from 51 career starts, including 21 victories. She earned $2,150,930 and set a lifetime mark of 1:49 4/5 in 2022 when she was named Trotter of the Year, becoming just the second 4-year-old mare to accomplish the feat.

Bella Bellini only missed the top-three once in 2023 but mustered just one win from six starts, in the Armbro Flight elimination at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Her major career wins under the care of trainer Richard "Nifty" Norman include a pair of Breeders Crown victories and the Hambletonian Oaks in 2021.

For the complete story in HRU, click the above link.