Lady Eli

Lady Eli was an American Thoroughbred racehorse, considered one of the top turf fillies of her generation. Bred by Runnymede Farm and Catesby W. Clay, she was foaled in Kentucky in 2012. Lady Eli was known for her remarkable resilience and talent, overcoming a life-threatening bout of laminitis to return to racing at a high level.

Racing Career:

Trained by Chad Brown and primarily ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Lady Eli began her racing career in 2014. She quickly established herself as a force on the turf, winning her first four starts, including the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita Park. This victory earned her the Eclipse Award for Champion 2-Year-Old Filly.

In 2015, Lady Eli continued her dominance, winning the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes, the Grade 2 Hilltop Stakes, and the Grade 3 Wonder Again Stakes. This impressive winning streak came to an abrupt halt when she suffered a severe case of laminitis shortly after winning the Belmont Oaks.

Her recovery from laminitis was a long and arduous process. Many doubted she would ever race again. However, after a remarkable recovery, Lady Eli returned to the track in August 2016, finishing second in the Grade 2 Ballston Spa Stakes. She then went on to win the Grade 1 Flower Bowl Stakes and the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf in 2017.

Retirement:

Lady Eli was retired from racing in 2017 with a record of 9 wins, 2 seconds, and 0 thirds in 13 starts. She earned over $2.9 million in prize money. Following her retirement, she was sold to Hill 'n' Dale Farms and became a broodmare.

Significance:

Lady Eli's story is one of perseverance and determination. Her successful return to racing after battling laminitis is considered a testament to her courage and the skill of her veterinary team. She remains a popular figure in the horse racing community, admired for her talent, toughness, and inspiring story.