By Michael Guerin
Harness Jewels champion Lancewood Lizzie is off to the broodmare’s paddock.
Trainer Barry Purdon confirmed to HRNZ the flying mare will end her racing career a winner, after having won her last race at Alexandra Park on January 22.
“She has been retired due to a tendon strain,” said Purdon.
“She has done a wonderful job and will make a top broodmare too.”
The first consort for Lancewood Lizzie will be American Ideal.
The daughter of Bettors Delight showed ability right from the outset of her career with Dave and Clare McGowan, who Purdon praised for their handling when she was transferred to his care midway through her three-year-old season.
She went on to be a luckless fourth in the Jewels that season but came back a stronger pacer at four.
After winning fresh up she was third to Adore Me in the Queen of Hearts and next start beat the likes of Ohoka Punter and Franco Nelson in the Franklin Cup.
She was seventh in the Auckland Cup when Christen Me smashed the national 2700m record but back against the mares she was potent, downing Venus Serena in the four-year-old Diamond in 1:52.7.
This season she was placed twice at Auckland in open class before again being given her crack at the elite level in the New Zealand Cup, before returning north for another third in the Queen of Hearts, this time to Fight For Glory and The Orange Agent.
She came from an outside barrier to win her final last start month, seeing her end her career with 13 wins and 12 placings from 40 starts for $258,477 in stakes.
Meanwhile, her fellow Jewels winning stablemate Sky Major will remain in Sydney for the next fortnight to contest a A$100,000 free-for-all in Miracle Mile day after failing to qualify for the super sprint.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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