Songbird horse was a champion racehorse that dominated the racing scene in the early 2000s. He was known for his speed, stamina and competitive spirit. However, Songbird’s racing career was cut short by injuries, and his life after racing was marked by health issues and controversy. Here is an in-depth look at what happened to this famous racehorse.
Songbird’s Racing Career
Songbird was foaled in 2013 and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He made his racing debut on November 8, 2015, winning a 6-furlong maiden race by over 7 lengths. This impressive debut marked Songbird as a horse to watch.
In 2016, Songbird embarked on an incredible win streak, going undefeated in 11 straight starts. Some key races he won include:
- Santa Anita Oaks – Won by 5 1/4 lengths
- Coaching Club American Oaks – Won by 7 lengths
- Alabama Stakes – Won by 5 lengths
- Cotillion Stakes – Won by 7 lengths
- Breeders’ Cup Distaff – Won by 3 1/4 lengths
Songbird dominated the competition, usually winning by multi-length margins. He set track records and earned Eclipse Award honors as champion 2-year-old filly and 3-year-old filly. By the end of 2016, Songbird had earned over $4.6 million in race earnings and was considered the top filly in the country.
Injuries Cut Short Songbird’s Racing Career
Heading into 2017, Songbird was expected to continue her winning ways as a 4-year-old. However, that quickly changed when she suffered an injury in the Ogden Phipps Stakes in June 2017. After undergoing surgery, Songbird was able to return to the track but reinjured herself in a workout. Her handlers decided to retire her in late 2017, ending her racing career earlier than expected.
In just over 2 years of racing, Songbird started 15 times and finished 1st every time. Her lifetime race record stood at 15-0-0. While her career was short, she demonstrated blazing speed, athleticism, and the heart of a true champion. Songbird retired as one of the top female racehorses of the decade.
Songbird’s Life After Racing
After retirement, Songbird was sold to Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm in Florida for $9.5 million. This record price reflected her tremendous breeding potential as a broodmare. However, Songbird would face health issues and controversy throughout the rest of her life.
In 2018, Songbird lost a pregnancy and nearly died from colic complications following surgery. She eventually recovered and was bred to top stallions like Medaglia d’Oro and Arrogate. However, she struggled to get in foal and produce a living foal.
In 2020, Songbird was moved to Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky after Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm shut down breeding operations. The move was controversial, as Pope sued Spendthrift and accused them of refusing to return Songbird. After months of legal disputes, Songbird remained at Spendthrift Farm.
Songbird’s Declining Health and Death
In 2021, reports indicated Songbird was having health issues and trouble carrying a foal. She lost pregnancies that year and in early 2022. In July 2022, Spendthrift Farm announced that 13-year-old Songbird had been euthanized due to declining health.
While the exact cause of death was not disclosed, Songbird had been suffering from complications related to chronic kidney disease. Her handlers stated that her quality of life had declined to the point where euthanasia was the most humane option.
Songbird was euthanized on July 28, 2022 at the age of 13. She was buried in the equine cemetery on Spendthrift Farm beside other famous racehorses.
Songbird’s Legacy
Though her broodmare career did not go as hoped, Songbird leaves behind an incredible legacy as one of the top racehorses of her generation. Some key aspects of her legacy include:
- Undefeated 2-year-old and 3-year-old racing campaign
- 2016 Eclipse Award Champion 2-Year-Old Filly and 3-Year-Old Filly
- Track records at Saratoga, Santa Anita, and Parx Racing
- Ranked #1 Longines World’s Best Racehorse of 2016
- Career earnings of $4,692,000 with 11 G1 stakes wins
Songbird demonstrated heart, courage, and incredible speed during her undefeated 15 race career. She retired as a racing legend whose fame went far beyond the racetrack. Though her untimely death at 13 years old was tragic, her glory days on the track will be remembered forever.
Key Questions
Here are answers to some key questions about Songbird horse:
What was Songbird’s race record?
Songbird retired undefeated with a perfect 15-0-0 record in 15 career starts.
What were some of Songbird’s biggest race wins?
| Race | Year |
|---|---|
| Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies | 2015 |
| Santa Anita Oaks | 2016 |
| Coaching Club American Oaks | 2016 |
| Alabama Stakes | 2016 |
| Cotillion Stakes | 2016 |
| Breeders’ Cup Distaff | 2016 |
Why did Songbird retire early?
Songbird retired early in late 2017 after suffering two injuries – first after the Ogden Phipps Stakes and then after a workout leading up to her comeback race. Her handlers chose to retire her rather than risk further injury.
How much did Songbird sell for as a broodmare?
After retiring from racing, Songbird sold for a record-breaking price of $9.5 million to Whisper Hill Farm, reflecting her tremendous breeding value.
What were the main issues Songbird faced as a broodmare?
As a broodmare, Songbird struggled with getting in foal and carrying pregnancies to term. She lost several pregnancies over the years and was unable to produce a living foal before she passed away.
When and how did Songbird die?
Songbird was euthanized on July 28, 2022 at the age of 13. She was euthanized by her handlers at Spendthrift Farm due to declining health associated with chronic kidney disease.
Conclusion
Songbird was an exceptionally talented racehorse whose career was cut short by injury. Though her broodmare career was plagued by setbacks, she demonstrated incredible speed and spirit during her undefeated 2-year-old and 3-year-old campaigns. Songbird remains one of the greatest female racehorses of the 2000s, cementing her legendary status in racing history despite her premature death. Her dashing speed and competitive fire live on in memory.
