Shisospicy to miss intended start in Saudi Arabia with skin infection
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Shisospicy, the champion female sprinter of 2025, will miss a scheduled start in the 1351 Turf Sprint at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Feb. 14 due to a skin infection, trainer Jose D’Angelo said Thursday.
The BloodHorse was the first to report Shisopicy would miss the race.
D’Angelo said that he noted the infection on Tuesday and would likely back off her training for one week while it clears up.
“It’s a small thing, it’s really bad timing, we’re not going to make the trip,” D’Angelo said. “We have to do the right thing by her. She’s going to need one more week, they’re supposed to travel on Monday so it’s impossible to make it.”
Shisospicy is nominated to the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on March 28. While D’Angelo said that six-furlong race is an option, he noted that it’s run on a straightaway and does not have a turn. D’Angelo seems to prefer a turn for Shisospicy.
“We have Dubai as an option or we could keep her running here,” D’Angelo said.
Options for Shisopicy in North America could include the Shakertown against males on April 4 or the Giant’s Causeway for females on April 12. Both Grade 2 stakes are worth $400,000 and will be run at 5 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland. Shisospicy won the Limestone at Keeneland last April.
Shisospicy, owned by Morplay Racing and Qatar Racing, went 5 for 7 in 2025 and defeated males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. In addition to winning the Eclipse Award for outstanding female sprinter, Shisospicy was a finalist in the 3-year-old filly and female turf divisions.
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