Two-Time G1 Champion Ascoli Piceno Retires Due to Pelvic Injury

Sunday Thoroughbred Club announced on the 22nd that Ascoli Piceno, the five-year-old mare who captured the 2023 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies and the 2025 Victoria Mile, will retire from active competition to begin a new career as a broodmare. The decision comes after a suspected pelvic fracture was discovered. Given the uncertain timeline for her recovery, the club and stakeholders determined that it was the right time for the star mare to conclude her racing career.

Ascoli Piceno burst onto the scene in 2023 with an undefeated three-race win streak, culminating in a victory in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies that earned her the title of Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. She remained a central figure in the distaff division, capturing her second career G1 title in the 2025 Victoria Mile. Throughout her illustrious career, she amassed a record of six wins from 12 starts, including five graded stakes victories both in Japan and overseas.

Her final race was the Hanshin Himba Stakes on April 11th of this year. Despite being the heavy favorite, she finished a disappointing 10th, leading to concerns about her condition. According to the club's announcement, the suspected fracture would necessitate a long-term absence from the track. Considering she is five years old, the decision was made to prioritize her future as a mother.

The sudden retirement sparked a wave of shock and sadness across social media. Fans shared messages of gratitude, with many saying they would never forget her brilliant performances in her G1 wins. However, because the injury involves the pelvis, many are expressing concern about her physical ability to safely carry and give birth to foals. The racing community is now hoping for her smooth recovery so that she can successfully pass on her elite bloodline to the next generation.

The context

Ascoli Piceno is a high-profile mare owned by Sunday Thoroughbred Club, one of Japan's most prestigious racing syndicates. The Hanshin Juvenile Fillies is the premier race for two-year-old fillies in the Japan Racing Association (JRA) calendar, often serving as a springboard for future stars. The Victoria Mile is a top-level G1 race for older fillies and mares. Pelvic injuries are particularly sensitive for female horses intended for breeding, as the pelvis must be structurally sound to support a pregnancy and allow for a safe delivery.

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