by Justin Horowitz, for Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ — Champion mare Rocklamation will delay motherhood and race another year, said her trainer Ron Burke. This announcement comes after it was originally planned for her to race while in foal until August.

“The owners have decided to abandon her breeding plans and race her the entire year,” said Burke of the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover that has earned more than $2.25 million. “I’m very happy about that decision.”

Lisa photo

Rocklamation’s owners plan to race her the entire year before retiring her.

Rocklamation begins her 7-year-old season Friday (April 10) at the Meadowlands in the $27,500 Mares Open Handicap. She faces just five other rivals including the razor sharp Radar Contact, who won last week’s Open with an eye-popping :25.3 final quarter-mile.

“With the short field, there probably won’t be a lot of movement,” said Burke. “It’ll probably turn into a sprint and we’ll likely be sprinting home from sixth.”

Rocklamation is owned in partnership by Our Horse Cents Stable, Stable 45, and J&T Silva Stables. Last year, she was named the Dan Patch co-champion pacing mare despite battling soundness issues throughout the season. She scored her biggest wins in the Golden Girls, Lady Liberty and Artiscape.

Burke believes the issues developed following the demanding Blue Chip Matchmaker, which is why he skipped the series this year.

“Whatever issues she had last year have seemed to resolve themselves and as long as she stays sound we plan to race a full schedule,” explained Burke. “Hopefully, we’ve learned how to manage her better. You can call this year her retirement tour because she will definitely be retired and bred next year.”

Friday’s 12-race card also includes a $27,500 Open Trot. Melady’s Monet is the 6-5 morning line favorite versus five other rivals.

There is also a carryover of $71,506 in the Jackpot Super High 5 in race five and $35,827 in the race 12 Jackpot Super High 5. Post time is 7:15 p.m.