Allamerican Bertie, winner of the Falls City Handicap (gr. II) last fall at Churchill Downs and this year's Rampart Handicap (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park, has been retired from racing after she suffered a knee injury during a workout at Churchill Downs.Trainer Steve Flint said the 4-year-old daughter of Quiet American suffered a slab fracture of the third carpal bone in her right knee during a six-furlong work over a "fast" track on Sunday, March 30. Allamerican Bertie had covered the distance "handily" in a swift 1:12.20, the fastest of four works at the distance, and Flint said she displayed no sign of any distress until she cooled out in the barn after the work."It was just a 'playing around' breeze," said Flint. "She didn't take a bad step until 40 minutes later."
Flint said the injury would not require surgery and Allamerican Bertie would embark on a new career as a broodmare. She will be bred to El Prado.Allamerican Bertie emerged as one of the top 3-year-old fillies in 2002 with a win over multiple stakes winner Take Charge Lady in the Falls City Handicap on Thanksgiving Day at Churchill Downs. She also won the Delaware Oaks (gr. III) during her 3-year-old season. Her 4-year-old campaign had been highlighted by a victory in the Sabin (gr. III) at Gulfstream and a romp in the Rampart that fell on the 50th wedding anniversary of Elaine and Bert Klein. She was being pointed toward a run
in the Louisville Breeders' Cup (gr. II) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day, May 2.Allamerican Bertie completed her racing career with a record of 8-1-2 in 14 career starts and earnings of $799,235.