Leading lady Azeri retired from racing

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Former Horse of the Year Azeri has

retired from racing. The six-year-old mare was voted Horse of the Year in 2002.

The announcement of Azeri's retirement was made by Michael Paulson

 who is in charge of the Allen Paulson Living Trust. The champion

was bred by Allen Paulson and became the richest female in thoroughbred history.

Azeri won 17 of 24 starts for more than $4 million. Fourteen of her

 wins came in stakes races, including the 2002 Breeders' Cup Distaff.

After missing the 2003 Breeders' Cup, Azeri was entered in this year's

 Breeders' Cup Classic. She finished fifth in the Classic, her second

try this year against males.