Australian star Imperatriz has been retired. Te Akau Racing announced the surprising news on Thursday, just days after the daughter of I Am Invincible had returned back to New Zealand from a stellar season in Australia, where she won six of her eight starts, including five at Group One level.

“Imperatriz  has been a magnificent race mare, I loved her from the time I set eyes on her at the Magic Millions’ sale. What she has done since has firmly established her as one of the very best race mares Australasia has seen in recent times,” Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said.

“From a filly that was the last to sell as a yearling, she became a Champion racehorse and when Karyn (Fenton-Ellis, wife and Te Akau Racing director) and I saw her win her second Group 1 William Reid at Moonee Valley last month, we couldn’t believe the crowd’s adulation for her, The Valley was a sea of tangerine.

“Her tenacity, courage and sheer determination, combined with the sweetest nature you could imagine, have certainly won the hearts of fans worldwide. The joy she has brought to her owners is indescribable.”

Imperatriz won 19 of her 27 starts, including 10 at Group One level, and nearly NZ$7.6 million in prizemoney.

Last weekend, Imperatriz returned home to New Zealand, for a well-deserved break at Te Akau Stud. On her arrival, she underwent an in-depth veterinary ‘warrant of fitness’ to assess her wellbeing before spelling, which led to the decision to retire her from racing.