Serena’s Song pensioned

The Lewis family and Denali Stud have decided to retire Serena’s Song from breeding at the age of 23.

When she retired from racing in late 1996, Serena’s Song had become the all-time leading distaff earner with $3,283,388 in winnings. Racing for Robert and Beverly Lewis, Serena’s Song won 10 Grade 1 races and was named Champion 3-Year-Old Filly in 1995. After retirement from the track, she was inducted into the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga, N.Y.

Serena’s Song was the rare champion racemare whose breeding accomplishments were nearly as notable as her racing accomplishments. She is the dam of five stakes winners, including Sophisticat (G1), Harlington (G2), Grand Reward (G2), and Schramsberg (G3). Her first foal, Serena’s Tune, by Mr. Prospector, was a multiple listed stakes winner who’s been the producer of 13 foals, 12 to race, and 10 to win in her own right.

“Serena is still in great health and condition,” said Denali Stud owner Craig Bandoroff. “She doesn’t look anything like your ordinary 23-year-old mare. However, when she lost her 2014 pregnancy this fall, everyone agreed that it was time to let her live out her remaining years in leisure. I know that there will never be another broodmare like her for me. It has been a great honor to work with the Lewises for the entirety of her breeding career.

“She’s had a profound impact on the growth and development of Denali Stud,” Bandoroff added. “Today, we have three of her daughters, including her Medaglia d’Oro weanling, and a fourth, Serene Melody, by Street Cry, who is with trainer Charlie Lopresti. The Lewis family and we, at Denali, are looking forward to Serena’s legacy extending many years into the future.”