Four Starzz Meliss Retired

Trainer Glenn Lalonde and co-owner John Nother have announced that near-millionaire pacing mare Four Starzz Meliss has been retired

from harness racing.

The nine-year-old daughter of Cambest - Tappy Belle will retire with career earnings of $971,036 and a 1:49.3 speed record. An iron-tough competitor that captured numerous Fillies and Mares Open events on the WEG circuit, Four Starzz Meliss is a 50-time winner in her career from 167 career starts. On October 16, regular pilot Jason Brewer guided Four Starzz Meliss to win number 50 at Mohawk.

Claimed in September 2006 for $75,000 by Nother and Lalonde's wife Jen, Four Starzz Meliss has earned $135,780 this season. She will be retained by her connections for breeding purposes.

"She wants to be a mom right now and she's got a few issues and we just think the best thing to do is retire her on a good note," said Lalonde in an interview with WEG's Media Dept. "We've been talking about it for quite some time. She's been such a good horse and we would've liked to make the million. In the long run run, she's been good to us we have to do what's right by the mare."

"Everything she's done has been a tribute to Glenn and his training techniques," states Nother. "I don't know of any parent who looks after a child like Glenn looks after Meliss."

Lalonde is leaning toward taking Four Starzz Meliss to the court of Rocknroll Hanover but might also consider Somebeachsomewhere. "They're the two best pacers I've ever seen in my life."

(with files from WEG)