Krikorian's Starrer Retired; Makeup Artist on Mend

Multiple stakes winner Starrer has been retired, it was announced by owner George Krikorian.

The 5-year-old mare scored her first graded stakes victory in the Princess at Hollywood Park in 2001 and posted consecutive victories in the Bayakoa Handicap here in 2001 and 2002.

After her second Bayakoa victory, Starrer posted back-to-back victories for trainer John Shirreffs in the 2003 Santa Maria and Santa Margarita handicaps (both gr. I) at Santa Anita before her ankles began to flare up. She never raced again, retiring with a three-race winning streak.

"She just has some soreness in the ankles, but (Shirreffs) would not have time to get her ready for the Breeders' Cup," said Krikorian.

Veterinarians recommended an additional 60 to 90 days of rest. "We were going to retire her after the Breeders' Cup anyway."

Starrer, a 5-year-old daughter of Dynaformer, won six of 20 starts and earned $1,043,033 for Krikorian, a theater-chain owner from Redondo Beach. David Hofmans trained her through her 3-year-old year before being transferred to Shirreffs in 2002.

Krikorian said the mare would be shipped to Hill N Dale Farm in Kentucky during the next few days to be rested until the 2004 breeding season. A stallion has not yet been chosen.

Krikorian also said that Makeup Artist, who underwent colic surgery after winning the Senorita Stakes here in May, was recovering well at Rancho Paseana in Rancho Santa Fe.

"She's doing fabulous," said Krikorian. "She came out of surgery just fine and is bright-eyed and happy. If all goes well, she could be back in training in 90 days."