Illusionist Resting In Retirement

Although it is a new racing season for many, Dave Lumsden's classy mare Illusionist has hung up her harness and is already enjoying retirement

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"She has already gone up to Hillsborough Stables for some well deserved R and R," Lumsden told Trot Insider.

The eight-year-old pacing mare, who is more fondly known as 'Lusi', will retire with a solid record of 43-19-22 in 140 career starts with earnings totaling $1,006,807. The Masters Series champion was a respected contender in various stakes events and the top classes in Ontario.

"We had decided to retire her January 1st, 2009 earlier [last] year and are really proud of all she has accomplished. With all the wins and track records I always got the biggest kick watching her strut about two miles an hour out to the track to warm up or race - she certainly had an attitude!"

Illusionist holds the aged pacing mare track record at Clinton, Flamboro and Woodstock. The daughter of Camluck-Mollie Hanover is also the owner of the three-year-old pacing filly marks at Hanover and Hiawatha Horse Park. She took her mark of 1:50 at the beginning of August last year in a Fillies & Mares Open at Mohawk Racetrack.

"The horse is retiring sound as a bullet and other than one minor puss pocket was never lame in her career," said Lumsden, a resident of Ancaster, Ontario. "It is never easy to make the decision to retire a great horse but we know it is what is best for her and hopefully she will have the same kind of success as a mother!"

Though her career as a broodmare is certain, what still remains to be decided for Lumsden's millionairess is which stallion will be the sire of her first foal.

"We haven't decided who to breed her to yet but Reg Petitpas and I own a horse together so we might have a chat about Somebeachsomewhere. For now, it just feels good to have her sound, healthy and resting."