Contrary to statements given to the Gulfstream Park press office by trainer Ignacio Correas IV, Merriebelle Stable and Resolute Racing's Grade I winner Didia (Arg) (Orpen–Delambre {Brz}, by Rainbow Corner) has not been retired from racing and is currently resting at Resolute Farm, part-owner John Stewart said on X late Thursday. Stewart did indicate that the mare would be forced to miss a defense of her title in the GIII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
“It has been a rough couple of days for @resracingky,” Stewart posted. “There was a press release issued today about DIDIA being retired.
We have NOT retired DIDIA. DIDIA will not be competing in the Pegasus due to a procedure she had a couple of days ago.
She is currently resting on our farm.”
A two-time Group 1 winner and champion 3-year-old filly in her native Argentina, Didia won the first four starts of her U.S. campaign, culminating with a win in the GIII Modesty Stakes at Churchill Downs in May 2023. She was runner-up in the GI New York Stakes that June before returning to the winner's circle in the GII Rodeo Drive Stakes in October.
Didia opened 2024 with a win in the Pegasus World Cup F/M Turf and added John Stewart's Resolute Racing to her ownership line after that effort. The 6-year-old mare returned to be third for the new partnership in the Apr. 12 GI Jenny Wiley Stakes and won the New York Stakes at Saratoga in June. She was mostly third in the Nov. 2 GI Breeders' Cup F/M Turf. On the board in 15 of 20 starts, Didia has won 11 times and amassed earnings of $1,754,511.
Looking for his next star for Resolute Racing, Correas will saddle Tutta La Vita (The Autumn Sun {Aus}) in her North American debut in Saturday's opener at Gulfstream, an optional claiming allowance for filles and mares, three and up, scheduled for one mile on the turf.
“It's very exciting. She's training very well. It's her first time in America and we hope she runs a good race,” Correas said. “She's done well since she's been here; if not, we would have waited longer. We're looking forward to her running.”
Stewart purchased Tutta La Vita, a three-time Group 1-placed mare in Australia, for $2,105,447 from the Inglis Chairman Sale in the spring.
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