Grade I winner Valiance (Tapit–Last Full Measure, by Empire Maker) has been retired from racing and will be offered at Fasig-Tipton's upcoming November Sale Nov. 9 in Lexington, Kentucky. Bluewater Sales will consign the 5-year-old mare for owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Martin S. Schwartz, and CHC Inc.
Valiance captured last year's GI Juddmonte Spinster S. at Keeneland in just her second dirt start and followed up that victory with a game second in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff to multiple champion Monomoy Girl (Tapizar), finishing ahead of another four Grade I winners.
The gray won her first three career starts on turf, including Monmouth's Open Mind S. as a 3-year-old. Trained throughout her career by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, she retires with a record of 9-6-0-1 and career earnings of $809,575.
“Valiance is a top-class race mare and a terrific individual,” commented Pletcher. “She's always been a true professional to train in the morning and was so versatile on the racetrack in the afternoon. She's a good one.”
A $650,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Selected Yearling, Valiance is out of a dam who scored in the GI the Madison S. and her second dam, Lazy Slusan (Slewvescent), is a multiple Grade I-winning distaffer and millionaire.
“Valiance was a stunning yearling with a royal pedigree and she followed through on the racetrack,” said Aron Wellman, President of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “She trained with brilliance, ran with brilliance on turf and dirt at the highest level and provided our partners with huge thrills. She's a rare filly who had impeccable breeding, gorgeous looks, immeasurable talent and that intangible killer instinct to win her races. She is an elite mare who offers the complete package and she is cut out to be an exceptional broodmare.”
Added Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, “Valiance is a rare commodity–she's a Grade I winner, her dam is a Grade I winner, and her granddam is a Grade I winner. In addition, she's by Tapit and a beautiful individual. Her potential as a broodmare is unlimited.”
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