The death of Deceptive, the blue hen mare, marks the end of a remarkable racing career and a testament to the power of breeding and training in the world of thoroughbreds. At 27, she may have been a senior citizen in horse racing years, but her legacy extends far beyond her racing days. Deceptive's story is a fascinating blend of personal dedication, strategic breeding, and the art of training, all woven together by the passionate owner/breeder Joseph J. Perrotta.
What makes Deceptive's story particularly intriguing is her impact as a broodmare. Despite her modest racing record, with 11 placements out of 20 starts, she became a mother to six winners from seven starters. Among her offspring, Mizdirection and Hurricane Bernie stand out. Mizdirection, in particular, achieved greatness, winning the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) and Monrovia Stakes (G3T) at 4, and maintaining her success at 5 with consecutive wins in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and Monrovia Stakes, as well as the Buena Vista Stakes (G2T) and Las Cienegas Stakes (G3T).
Mizdirection's success is a testament to the power of strategic breeding and training. She was sold for $85,000 at the 2009 Keeneland September Yearling Sale and then for $50,000 at the 2010 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Her co-owners, Tom Lenner, Alan Peterson, and Robert Strauss, along with trainers Jason Litt and Alex Solis II, played a crucial role in her development. Under the guidance of trainer Mike Puype, Mizdirection became a winner by 11 1/2 lengths at Hollywood Park, showcasing her potential early on.
The sale of Mizdirection for $2.7 million at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton The November Sale to Al Shaqab further highlights the value of her bloodline. Her success as a broodmare is a testament to the careful breeding practices of Joseph J. Perrotta and the Glencrest Farm. Deceptive's seven runners collectively earned over $2.06 million, with her offspring generating more than $3.2 million in gross sales at auction. This success is a clear indication of the farm's expertise in breeding and the impact of their choices on the thoroughbred racing world.
In my opinion, Deceptive's story is a reminder of the intricate relationship between breeding, training, and the potential for success in thoroughbred racing. It highlights the importance of strategic decisions made by breeders and trainers, and the long-lasting impact these decisions can have on the sport. While Deceptive may have been a blue hen mare, her influence on the racing world is anything but ordinary.
