Stradivarius: Frankie Dettori hails ‘one-of-a-kind’ stay after three-time Ascot Gold Cup winner retires | Racing news
Frankie Dettori has described the three-time Ascot Gold Cup winner as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ horse after the legendary stayer retired on Monday morning.
Seven-time Group One winner retired at the age of eight of owner Bjorn Nielsen and trainer John & Thady Gosden, has been slow to recover from a bruised foot he suffered last month during preparations for the Lonsdale Cup in York.
In a terrifying career, the John and Thady Gosden star won three Ascot Gold Cups as well as four Goodwood Cups, three Lonsdale Cups and two Doncaster Cups for Nielsen.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Rab Havlin pays tribute to the great Stradivarius, who retired today after an incredible career
The famous Chestnut has won a total of 20 races from 35 starts, raking in prize money of more than £3.4 million in the process.
Frankie Dettori, who has steered Stradivarius in all but nine of her 35 career starts and is a contributor to much of her success, said in a statement posted on Twitter: “I just received news that the mighty Strad has retired, I am on my way to Germany to ride the Torquator Tasso for the Arc.
“What can I say? He’s been a part of my life for the past six years. A good friend, a great horse, so many great times together.
“I’ve never ridden a horse with so many Group wins under my name, I think we’re 14 together.
“A big thank you to Bjorn Nielsen and also a great achievement for the Clarehaven team.
“It’s been an honor for me to ride him and I will miss him so much, he is a great horse to have, one of two in a lifetime. I wish him a happy retirement and hope he does. He will become a great steed in the future.”
The star holder will now be sent to the National Stud to replace him as a National Hunt stallion.
