Amelia’s Jewel retired, added to Inglis Chairman’s Sale slate

Amelia Park Racing and Breeding has announced that Amelia’s Jewel has been retired. The decision to retire the star mare was revealed shortly after she finished fifth in the Group 1 Queen of the Turf Stakes at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday.

Amelia’s Jewel finishes her career as a 10-time stakes winner and a one-time Group 1 winner after winning the Group 1 Northerly Stakes at Ascot in 2022.

Star mare retired

Out of all the stories we were watching ahead of the Queen of the Turf Stakes on Saturday, Amelia’s Jewel was not one of them. The mare was an outsider, with $14 odds from the betting sites compared to the $1.60 starting price of the favourite, Fangirl.

After the race though, Amelia’s Jewel dominated the headlines thanks to this announcement from Amelia Park:

“Following her run in the Group 1 Queen of the Turf today, Peter and Annie Walsh and the Amelia Park team would like to announce the retirement of their star mare, Amelia’s Jewel,” the social media statement revealed.

“They say it takes a village, and this is truly fitting with the Jewel story.

“Those who have supported and offered their guidance throughout this journey are numerous and words cannot express the gratitude and thanks we feel towards those that have come along with us.”

Future at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale

Amelia Park’s statement on Saturday concluded with the news that “Amelia’s Jewel will now embark on the next stage of her journey and will be offered for sale at the upcoming Inglis Chairman’s Sale.”

Amelia’s Jewel’s owners and Inglis Bloodstock officials confirmed this news on Sunday. The mare will be put up for sale at the Riverside Stables on May 8 with her co-owner Peter Walsh representing her.

“I was lucky enough to meet Peter Walsh early on in my time at Coolmore, so I have enjoyed following the career of Amelia’s Jewel and know how much she means to both Peter and Annie (Walsh),” said Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch.

“Clearly she was freakishly talented and while her accomplishments are incredible, I think it’s fair to say that her race record doesn’t quite do justice to her fantastic ability.

“Never did I imagine that we would get the chance to bring her to market, so it really is a truly special opportunity and I have no doubt that she will attract worldwide interest,” Hutch added.

“Not an easy decision”

In addition to confirming that Amelia’s Jewel will be sold, Peter Walsh also explained why his family is willing to part ways with their star mare.

“She means so much to us. It’s not an easy decision to sell her,” he said.

“But I’ve got the mother at home so we’ll keep breeding the family and racing the family. I’m only selling her because of my age. I’m almost 70, so somebody a bit younger can enjoy her for the rest of her time.

“She’s perfectly sound and could easily race on if her buyer wants to do so, or she’s going to make one hell of a broodmare when that phase of her life comes too. I’ve been lucky enough to have had some great horses, but she’s by far the best.”