Increasing angst among mare owners

A LACK of suitable racing options has led to the premature retirement of another feature winner.

Frustrated by the limited number of mares’ only races, owner Charlie Sant has decided to send Rock N Roll Chapel to the breeding barn.

She is expected to be mated with Betting Line in coming weeks.

Trainer Joe Pace confirmed Rock N Roll Chapel’s fourth in last weekend’s Breeders’ Crown Mares’ Graduate Free-For-All at Tabcorp Park Melton was her last start.

“There just isn’t enough on offer to keep the mares going,” Pace said. “That’s why so many are being sold to America or being retired early.

“Rock N Roll Chapel is only six and has another good season in her, but the options aren’t there.

“Something needs to be done here in Victoria if we want to keep the mares in Australia let alone in the state.”

Pace stated angst is increasing among mare owners who are desperate for more sex-restricted races to be added to the calendar.

“She has to race against the stallions nearly every week,” Pace said. “Her next start would be against Lochinvar Art and she’d be off the back row.

“That’s why she was sent to Menangle earlier in the year because they have a city class mares’ race every couple of weeks.

“I know the response from some people will be ‘we just had the Mares’ Triple Crown’, that’s all well and good, but what about the other 11 months of the year?

“Mare owners are getting more and more frustrated and feel as though their concerns are not being heard.”

Rock N Roll Chapel won 14 of her 71 starts, with 27 placings and $160,170 also to her credit.