The Last Race Of A Racing Icon

by Ed Meyer

posted on November 11, 2008 in General Discussion, News | No Comments >>

Being etched into racing history is a mark that transcends value of the races won. Peppers Pride did not face the likes of Triple Crown runners, but did it against the level of competition in her conditions. But, the end may be near. So be sure to follow her final preparations in what could the last of her career.

Peppers Pride, the undefeated winner of 18 consecutive races, could call it a career after running next month in the $125,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap at Sunland Park.

The connections of the 5-year-old mare met Monday to discuss whether to race or breed her next year, and while no decision was made, it was agreed to keep “investigating” the stallion options for her in both Kentucky and the Southwest region, said Joel Marr, who trains Peppers Pride for Joe Allen.

“We’re leaning toward breeding her, but it’s not definite,” Marr said Monday. “We’re just going to see how she is the next few weeks and decide. We’ll probably make a decision sometime between now and the race at Sunland.”

Peppers Pride will be going for her 19th straight win when she starts in the Racing Commission Handicap on Dec. 14.

Peppers Pride, a daughter of the Fappiano stallion Desert God, set the modern North American record for consecutive wins with her 17th straight on Oct. 4, and padded it on Sunday, when she won the $177,615 Filly and Mare Championship. Both races came against New Mexico-breds at Zia Park.