Thorpedo Anna Says Final Goodbye to Racing

The crowd gathered around the Churchill Downs paddock for the sixth race Oct. 26, but for many it was not to see the field of 2-year-old fillies aiming to break their maidens. Instead, they were there to catch one final glimpse of a champion, Thorpedo Anna, at the racetrack. READ: It's Official: Thorpedo Anna Retired from Racing As she did a day earlier at Keeneland, the 2024 Horse of the Year paraded for the fans, saying her final goodbye to racing before she begins life as a broodmare at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. As she walked, her fiery spirit that carried her to success in 12 of her 16 lifetime starts was on full display. As the call to the post played, Thorpedo Anna stood tall and looked determined to give it her best shot once more if asked. Once the field exited, every loop around the paddock brought clapping and cheers from the fans who chose to miss the race for a final look at their star. Judy Hicks, breeder and co-owner of Thorpedo Anna, walked alongside her champion for several laps at both tracks. Upon seeing and hearing the reception at both tracks, she described the feeling as "bittersweet." "It caps off the emotion," Hicks said. "She's not done, she's just closing one chapter and going to another. Mom's daughters grow up, and get married, and have kids. She's on to her next adventure. Thank goodness she's staying in Kentucky, so we'll still be able to see her." Trainer Kenny McPeek said it was an honor to have the opportunity to share her with the fans one final time at both tracks. "In all my career, I can't tell you there were many horses that I recall that they did this for, or even asked for it to be done," McPeek said. "In her case, she's obviously captured the fan base really well. She's been a real honor to be around; the trip of a lifetime." A seven-time grade 1 winner, Thorpedo Anna captured the hearts of the racing public by winning races like the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), as well her stretch rally that sent Saratoga Race Course into a frenzy as she nearly won the Travers Stakes (G1) against males. That heart and determination she often displayed is what McPeek said he'd remember most. "She was so consistent and workmanlike," McPeek said. "Every morning when you tacked her up and sent her to the track, she was ready to go. She never hesitated. She marched to the racetrack, marched back, and loved to go to the track every day." A 20% share in Thorpedo Anna will be offered as Hip 6 in Keeneland's Championship Sale, held in the Del Mar Paddock Oct. 29. McPeek consigns the share as agent for Richard Edwards. As her next chapter begins, McPeek is excited to look forward to the future. "I'd love to think I'll have the opportunity to train some of her foals," McPeek said. "We're going to stay in for our percentage. That's important in the sense that we're going to be participating in who she's bred to and some of those decisions. We'll get to evaluate her foals probably earlier than anybody." Once the sixth race concluded, Thorpedo Anna took one final walk up the Churchill Downs tunnel and stepped onto the dirt for a final walk back to the barn, and the beginning of her new chapter.