Zardana, who beat Rachel Alexandra in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds in March 2010, has been retired from racing because of an ankle issue, according to Daily Racing Form. In what was her last race, she finished second, beaten a neck by Vision of Gold, in the Santa Maria Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 12. She was being considered for the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at Oaklawn Park April 15.
Arnold Zetcher, who owns Zardana, plans to have her bred this year.
Zetcher acquired Zardana in 2007 after she had won all three of her races in her native Brazil by a total of 39 lengths. While racing in North America, Zardana not only upset Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the New Orleans Ladies, but won the 2009 Bayakoa Handicap (gr. II) and two restricted stakes on turf: the 2009 Swingtime Stakes at Oak Tree at Santa Anita and the 2008 Osunitas Handicap at Del Mar.
Zardana raced against the great Zenyatta, finishing third to her in the 2010 Vanity Handicap (gr. I). Zardana’s other stakes-placing came in the 2010 Bayakoa.
Zardana was retired with eight wins from 24 starts and earnings of $512,276. In North America, she was trained first by Ron McAnally, and then by John Shirreffs.
Foaled in 2004, Zardana is by Crimson Tide out of the Southern Halo mare Dear Filly.
