Outstanding mare Melito has been retired from racing and will go to the breeding barn later this year.The four-year-old beat just one runner home in Saturday's BTC Cup won by Black Caviar and after a less than satisfactory workout on Tuesday, trainer Gerald Ryan ordered a veterinary examination.Scans showed wear and tear in her knees which convinced Ryan and part-owner David Rippon it was time to call an end to her racing career."She has never had a problem before and has never even been shin so
Outstanding mare Melito has been retired from racing and will go to the breeding barn later this year.
The four-year-old beat just one runner home in Saturday's BTC Cup won by Black Caviar and after a less than satisfactory workout on Tuesday, trainer Gerald Ryan ordered a veterinary examination.
Scans showed wear and tear in her knees which convinced Ryan and part-owner David Rippon it was time to call an end to her racing career.
"She has never had a problem before and has never even been shin sore," Ryan said.
"But she is showing signs of wear and tear in her knees so the decision was made not to go on.
"She is a lovely mare, she has been a great horse and is right up with the best I have trained.
"I always said she was the best two-year-old filly I've trained and I would say she was the best three-year-old filly I've trained.
"I've certainly never had a three-year-old filly who could win at weight-for-age.
"I was disappointed on Saturday that she didn't do better but apart from that I've never been disappointed in her."
Melito raced 16 times at Group One level in her 26 start career, winning two elite races - the TJ Smith and the Winter Stakes last year.
Her 2010 autumn-winter campaign also included four Group One placings, earning her the title of NSW champion for the season.
Melito is by champion sire Redoute's Choice out of stakes winning mare Cloister.