It's Official: Didia Retired from Racing, Set to Be Bred to Champion Nyquist

Through a live stream, Resolute Racing confirmed the news and shared their mare mating plans with fans

Didia's quality established her as one of the best mares in the world / ADAM COGLIANESE

By Diego H. Mitagstein

What had long been anticipated was officially confirmed on Thursday: Argentine champion Didia has been retired from racing and will begin her breeding career. The announcement was made by her owner, John Stewart, and the team at Resolute Racing via a live-stream event on their social media channels. The broadcast also revealed the mating plans for their top mares, showcasing a forward-thinking approach.

The daughter of Orpen had sustained an injury to a foreleg while preparing to defend her title in the TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Invitational (G2). The setback required surgery as a precautionary measure. Following her recovery at the farm, her connections conducted a thorough evaluation of her condition. Ultimately, the severity of the injury and the risks of a potential return to racing led to the decision to retire her.

Didia leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of talent and a trove of unforgettable moments, solidifying her place among the greatest Argentine mares to compete in the United States. However, her remarkable journey began on home soil, where she made a name for herself in Argentina’s top races.

Bred and campaigned by Stud-Haras La Manija and trained in La Plata by Luciano Cerutti, Didia first showcased her ability on the turf at San Isidro. After breaking her maiden in her third start over a mile, she quickly made her mark, finishing fourth in the Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas (G1) at Palermo.

Returning to San Isidro’s turf, Didia delivered a string of standout performances. She claimed the Clásico Federico de Alvear (G3), followed by victories in the Gran Premio Enrique Acebal (G1) and the Gran Premio Copa de Plata (G1), defeating older mares with her trademark front-running style.

Her stellar campaign earned her the titles of Argentina’s Champion Older Mare and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly of 2021—sharing the latter with Carta Embrujada (Storm Embrujado)—before she was sold and exported to the U.S., where Ignacio Correas IV took over her training at Keeneland in Kentucky.

In the United States, Didia quickly made her presence felt, winning her first four starts. She began with an allowance optional claiming race, followed by triumphs in the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Old Nelson Stakes (L) and the Tom Benson Memorial (L). She then notched her first graded victory, taking the Modesty Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.

Her momentum carried her to Saratoga, where she finished second in the New York Stakes (G1) after encountering an unfavorable pace scenario. A subsequent trip to Santa Anita saw her secure the Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2), setting her up as one of the leading contenders for the 2023 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). Despite a troubled trip, she finished tenth, just over four lengths behind the brilliant Inspiral (Frankel).

Didia began her 2024 season with a victory in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). She later added a third-place finish in the Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1) and finally achieved her crowning moment in the U.S. by winning the New York Stakes, redeeming herself in a thrilling performance.

Her victory in the New York Stakes would be her last, as she subsequently finished fourth in the Diana Stakes (G1) and the John C. Mabee Stakes (G2). She concluded her career with a brilliant third-place finish in her second Breeders’ Cup appearance, finishing just behind champion Moira (Ghostzapper).

Didia retires with a record of 11 wins, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds from 20 starts, amassing $1,758,484 in earnings. Of her victories, nine came in black-type races, underscoring her exceptional ability.

Resolute Racing confirmed that Didia will be bred to Nyquist (Uncle Mo), who stands at Darley America. The Kentucky Derby-winning stallion, whose fee is set at $175,000, has had a sensational 2024, siring champions such as Immersive and Grade 1 winners Randomized, Johannes, and Tenma. Fans can now eagerly anticipate the arrival of Didia’s foals, carrying forward the legacy of an unforgettable champion.