Next week’s Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar lost one of its most anticipated showdowns Friday when Idiomatic, the defending champion in the $2 million Distaff, was retired. According to a post on the website of her owner, Juddmonte Farm, “Idiotmatic was found to be lame this morning and an issue, that should heal readily, was identified in her left knee. Unfortunately, it will rule her out of running in the Breeders’ Cup and it has been decided to retire her to stud.” A 5-year-old mare, Idiotmatic was likely to be favored in the Distaff over the 3-year-old Thorpedo Anna, who won the Kentucky Oaks and was second against males in the Travers. Their duel figured to be one of the highlights of next week’s 14-race event at Del Mar, which will be run Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. Idiomatic, a daughter of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, retires with 12 wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds in 17 starts. Trained by Brad Cox, she earned more than $3.9 million. Thorpedo Anna is now expected to be a strong favorite in the Distaff, which also includes Raging Sea – who edged Idiomatic in this year’s Personal Ensign at Saratoga – and Awesome Result, who is unbeaten in seven starts in Japan. Related Articles Sports | Horse racing: Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar challenges horsemen, bettors Sports | Horse racing notes: Stay Hot tries to close out Santa Anita meet with win Sports | Santa Anita horse racing consensus picks for Friday, October 25, 2024 Sports | Breeders’ Cup will have an unprecedented international flair Sports | Santa Anita horse racing consensus picks for Sunday, October 20, 2024