Champion Azeri Retired From Broodmare Duties

Northern Farm in Japan told bloodhorse.com they have retired US Horse of the Year Azeri (Jade Hunter-Zodiac Miss, by Ahonoora) as a broodmare, and the 23YO mare will now be a nanny for their weanlings. One of only two foals for Australian bred mare Zodiac Miss (Ahonoora-Capriconia, by Try My Best) who won the Gr3 Newcastle JC Coca-Cola Classic Stakes, the Listed MVRC Great Western Champagne Stakes, and ran second in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic9i, Azeri won 17 races and was crowned US Horse of the Year in 2002. Her 17 wins included 11 at Gr1 level including the Breeders' Cup Distaff and the Oaklawn Park Apple Blossom Handicap (three times). She also won both the Hollywood Park Vanity Handicap and Milady Handicap twice each. At stud, Azeri left nine runners, all winners, including group winner Wine Princess (Ghostzapper), and group placed winners Arienza (Giant's Causeway), Leukerbad (Deep Impact), and Shirvanshah (Deep Impact). Her first four foals were bred by her racing owners, Allen E. Paulson Living Trust, and then she was sold to Northern Farms for US$2.25m in 2009.