Stakes Winner Handpainted Retired

Handpainted, a Sovereign Award finalist as a 2-year-old, has been retired from racing after reaggravating an ankle injury in the Aug. 14 Ellis Park Breeders' Cup. The 4-year-old daughter of A.P. Indy retired with five wins from a dozen races and earnings of $435,406 and arrived the following day at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farms near Lexington.

"It is unfortunate to have to retire such a talented race filly; however, she will make a wonderful addition to the broodmare ranks at Hill 'n' Dale," Sikura said about the homebred filly bred and raced in partnership with his brother, Glenn.

Bred in the Hill 'n' Dale name, Handpainted won the Ontario Debutante and My Dear Stakes as a 2-year-old, and captured two stakes this year. She placed in four stakes during her career.

Handpainted is out of major Canadian stakes winner Daijin (by Deputy Minister), a full sister to Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Touch Gold and half-sister to Canadian Horse of the Year With Approval.

Sikura has not decided on a stallion yet, but is leaning toward Storm Cat.