Grade 1 winner As Time Goes By and Merneith, a high-profile sale 2-year-old and eventual grade 1-placed, multiple grade 2 winner, and have been retired.
Trainer Bob Baffert told Daily Racing Form the two 5-year-olds have both been retired to be broodmares. Merneith is owned by Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud, and As Time Goes By is owned by Coolmore associates Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Susan Magnier.
The mares are part of the ongoing exodus of horses from Baffert's barn as he faces a 90-day suspension related to the betamethasone positive discovered in Medina Spirit following last year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). The suspension is scheduled to start April 4.
Merneith, by American Pharoah and bred by China Horse Club, sold for $600,000 at the 2019 Ocala Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. She went on to win the Santa Monica Stakes (G2) twice in 2021-22 and placed in the 2020 La Brea Stakes (G1). She retires with $493,620 in earnings. A stallion for Merneith has not been confirmed.
As Time Goes By, another by American Pharoah bred by Orpendale & Chelston, won the March 5 Beholder Mile Stakes (G1). She won five graded stakes and earned $955,600. Out of multiple grade 1 winner Take Charge Lady, she is a half sister to champion Will Take Charge and grade 1 winner Take Charge Indy . As Time Goes By is scheduled to be bred to three-time leading North American sire Into Mischief .
