Pretty Mischievous takes G1 Test Stakes as injury casts shadow over race

Pretty Mischievous won the G1 Test Stakes in the saddest of circumstances as Maple Leaf Mel sustained a life-ending injury in the shadow of the post at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, 5 August.  

Chasing a third straight G1 following wins in the Kentucky Oaks and Acorn Stakes, Pretty Mischievous raced in last leaving the stalls before moving up a place after being switched off the inside rail after a furlong and a half.   

The Brendan Walsh-trained filly still had six lengths to make up on the pace-setting Maple Leaf Mel turning in but started to make headway widest of all for Tyler Gaffalione at the top of the straight.  

Pretty Mischievous continued to rally and went second from Clearly Unhinged in the final strides. Maple Leaf Mel looked all set for victory until her injury, leaving Pretty Mischievous to cross the line in front for a bittersweet success in the seven-furlong feature.

Brendan Walsh said: “It’s just cruel what happened. I just feel terrible for Melanie [Giddings, trainer of Maple Leaf Mel] and that whole team. That must be gut-wrenching. My filly ran her race, but that’s another story. I don’t know what to think right now.”  

Tyler Gaffalione added: “To be honest, I’m a bit lost for words right now. I feel so bad for the connections of Mel. It’s hard to enjoy this one thinking about that. My condolences go out to their team. Hopefully, they’re able to get through this and God bless them.”