Thorpedo Anna, the reigning 2024 Horse of the Year, was officially retired from racing on October 15, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable career for one of thoroughbred racing’s most accomplished fillies. Trainer Kenny McPeek announced the retirement decision following her disappointing fourth-place finish in the Grade I Spinster Stakes at Keeneland on October 5.
McPeek assured fans that Thorpedo Anna is in good health, stating “For everybody out there that’s worried about her, you can rest at ease. She’s fine”. Veterinary examinations by Dr. Larry Bramlage of Rood and Riddle revealed only mild bone bruising consistent with horses competing at her elite level. While she could have returned to training after 90 days, connections opted to retire her instead.
Career Accomplishments
Thorpedo Anna retires as one of the most accomplished fillies in racing history, with a record of 12 wins from 16 starts and earnings exceeding $5.4 million. She captured 10 graded stakes victories, including seven Grade I wins. Her major victories included the Kentucky Oaks, Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Acorn Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks, Cotillion Stakes, Apple Blossom Handicap, and Personal Ensign Stakes.
Remarkably, she became only the second 3-year-old filly in history to earn Horse of the Year honors. One of her most memorable performances came in defeat when she lost by just a head to Fierceness in the Grade I Travers Stakes, where McPeek boldly entered her against males.
Future Plans
Thorpedo Anna will begin her broodmare career at John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa in Lexington, Kentucky. The farm’s owner noted that breeding decisions will be made after the Breeders’ Cup, though McPeek previously suggested she might be bred to Curlin.
She is owned by a partnership including Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms, Judy Hicks, Mark Edwards, and Magdalena Racing. A 20% share in Thorpedo Anna will be offered at the Keeneland Championship Sale on October 29 at Del Mar, giving buyers an opportunity to participate in her breeding career. This represents a remarkable return on investment, considering she was purchased for just $40,000 as a yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale in 2022.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
Thorpedo Anna before the Breeders Cup Distaff via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons LicenseFeatured Image Credit
Thorpedo Anna before the Breeders Cup Distaff via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License
