Canadian Horse of the Year Arravale retired

Arravale rounded out her career with a fourth in the Nassau at Woodbine (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com) ARRAVALE (Arch), who was named Horse of the Year and champion turf mare in Canada in 2006, has been retired from racing. The five-year-old mare, who most recently finished fourth in the May 31 Nassau S. (Can-G2) at Woodbine, will leave the track with a record of 15-5-1-2 and earning of $1,129,697. “We are very fortunate to own such a wonderful racehorse, who has given us so many priceless moments,” said owner Bob Costigan, who purchased Arravale for $190,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. “We would like to thank (trainer) Mac Benson and his team for doing a brilliant job with Arravale and for looking after her well-being and also her many fans for all their good wishes. We are delighted and excited to see her begin her new career as a broodmare.” Arravale became only the sixth female Thoroughbred to be named Canada’s Horse of the Year since the inception of the Sovereign Awards in 1975.

After winning two of her three starts as a two-year-old, including the
Natalma S. (Can-G3) at one mile on the turf, Arravale was prepped for an
ambitious American campaign the following year.

She won the Alywow S. in her seasonal debut at Woodbine, then finished third
in the American Oaks Invitational S. (G1) at Hollywood Park. In her next start,
she won the Del Mar Oaks (G1) at nine furlongs on the turf. Back at Woodbine,
Arravale finished second in the Canadian S. (Can-G2) before taking home her
biggest prize. On October 22, 2006, Arravale charged up the rail to win the E. P.
Taylor S. (Can-G1) by one length over an international field that included five
Grade/Group 1-winning fillies and mares.

A splint injury at the outset of 2007 delayed and hindered her four-year-old
campaign, which ended with a troubled seventh-place journey in the Breeders’ Cup
Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at Monmouth Park.

Arravale is the third foal out of Grade 2-placed Kalosca (Fr) (Kaldoun), who
is a half-sister to Swiss Horse of the Year Mykonos (Gay Mecene) and
French stakes winner and Group 2-placed Crillon (Saumarez [GB]).

Arravale will be sent to Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, before
heading to Ireland in the fall. Next year, Arravale is slated to be bred to
Chevely Park Stud stallion Pivotal, who has already sired three classic winners
this year.