World-Record Racehorse It's Peppertime Announces Retirement

It's Peppertime, the renowned racehorse that made history by setting a world record at the 2024 Elitloppet, has officially retired from racing. The horse was trained by Katja Melkko, who expressed her deep sadness over the decision, emphasizing the high level of talent It’s Peppertime displayed throughout its career.

During its record-setting performance at Solvalla, It's Peppertime achieved an impressive time of 1.11,2 over 2640 meters. Despite this remarkable achievement, the horse's career was plagued with ongoing injuries, particularly to its right hind leg. Melkko noted that the horse had undergone surgery after its three-year-old season to remove a loose bone fragment.

Unfortunately, these health challenges ultimately impacted its racing schedule, as It’s Peppertime hasn’t raced since August 2024. Reflecting on the horse's career, Melkko stated, "The most important thing is always that the horses are well. The world record at Solvalla was fantastic," highlighting the bittersweet nature of It's Peppertime's retirement. While celebrated for its incredible accomplishments, the journey has been shadowed by the difficulties it faced throughout its racing life.