She Feels Pretty, the multi-millionaire and champion turf female of 2025, has been retired from racing, according to a post on X.com March 30 from trainer Cherie DeVaux.
"Today is one of those bittersweet days that remind you just how special this sport can be," DeVaux posted. "She Feels Pretty has officially been retired. It's hard to put into words what this filly has meant to me—not just as a trainer, but personally. Horses like her don't come around often. She gave us everything she had, every single time, with a kind of heart and class that you simply can't teach."
She Feels Pretty is a 5-year-old daughter of Karakontie out of the More Than Ready winner Summer Sweet, who is a half sister to stakes winners Adirondack Summer (Thunder Gulch) and Summer Breezing (Langfuhr) and to stakes-placed winner and multiple stakes producer Summer Solo (Arch).
The chestnut mare, bred by Payson Stud, is owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Lael Stables and was purchased for $240,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale out of Stone Farm's consignment.
She Feels Pretty showed her quality early, winning her racing debut at Ellis Park and in her next start capturing the Natalma Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine. She went on to finish third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T).
At 3, she maintained her grade 1 form with wins in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Stakes (G1T) and American Oaks Stakes (G1). At 4, she raised her game further, winning three of five starts and finishing second in her other two races. She earned more than $1.4 million in 2025 alone with wins in the E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T), New York Stakes (G1T), and Modesty Stakes (G3T). She was runner-up in the Diana Stakes (G1T) and a close second in Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T), getting caught by Gezora, who rallied late to win by half a length.
DeVaux told Daily Racing Form that the mare kept having an issue that was taking longer than expected to resolve and now she does not have time for a 2026 campaign. She Feel Pretty retires with an 8-3-2 record from 13 starts and earned $2,550,592.
"I am incredibly grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson for trusting me with such an extraordinary filly. Their belief and support made this journey possible, and I will never take that for granted," DeVaux continued on X. "She Feels Pretty has left an undeniable mark on my career. She elevated our entire program, brought unforgettable moments, and reminded me why we do this every day. I will always be proud to have been a part of her story. While it's never easy to say goodbye to the racetrack, I am so excited for her next chapter and welcoming baby 'Prettys'. Thank you, pretty girl. You changed more than you'll ever know."
Doug Cauthen, a bloodstock adviser for the Jacksons, indicated the decision on who She Feels Pretty may be mated to has not been made yet.
