Royale Michele, winner of the 2009 Barbara Fritchie Handicap (gr. II) at Laurel Park and an earner of more than $230,000, has been retired from racing, it was announced Feb. 16.
The 5-year-old mare by Elusive Quality will be bred to Unbridled's Song, who stands at the Taylor family’s Taylor Made Stallions near Nicholasville, Ky.
Trained by Matt Kintz, Royal Michele retired with a record of 5-3-2 from 15 starts for owner/breeder Sam Pollock. The mare’s other added-money win came in the 2008 New Year’s Eve Stakes at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort as a 3-year-old. She also placed in the 2009 Distaff Breeders’ Cup Handicap (gr. II) at Aqueduct and the What a Summer Stakes this Jan. 9.
Royal Michele, who finished unplaced in this year's Barbara Fritchie Feb. 15, is out of the stakes-placed Groovy mare Michele Royale.
“Royale Michele retired sound, has a great disposition, and has been a joy to be around,” Kintz said in a statement. “She has done a lot for me, and I’d like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Pollock for letting me train her; they are great clients to work for. I look forward to seeing her foals in the future.”