Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady has been retired after pulling up sore in the Group 1 $2.25m The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill last Saturday.

Scarlett Lady has been retired - photo (c) Taron Clarke

The Savabeel four year old was eased down by jockey James McDonald and failed to beat a runner when ninth to Manighar after a poor performance when tenth to Manighar in the Group 1 $400,000 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehillat her previous start.

Trainer Graeme Rogerson had aimed Scarlett Lady at all the major Spring races after her outstanding form in the winter last year which culminated with a victory in the Group 1 $400,000 Treasury Queensland Oaks (2400m)  at Eagle Farm.

But he had to call an end to Scarlett Lady’s Spring campaign when she was injured in the Group 1 $350,000 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 17.

Rogerson was looking forward to a successful Autumn when the mare returned to the racetrack with a win in the 1600m Thoroughbred Stakes at Tauherenikau on February 6 and followed that up with a win in the Group 1 NZ$200,000 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on March 10.

Owner Max Whitby conferred with Rogerson before coming to the decision to retire her, but is unsure if he will sell the Group 1 winning mare or retain her for breeding.

“We’ve got all the X-rays and there are a few issues including some arthritis,” Whitby said.

“It isn’t anything to do with the injury she had in the spring.”

“If it was another horse you might keep racing her but you can’t do that at her level.”

“I haven’t decided yet whether we will sell her or keep her to breed from or keep a share in her. It’s sad but it’s over.”

Scarlet Lady is a winner of eight races from sixteen starts with prizemoney earnings of over $600,000.