Horse Talk with Simon Jackson:

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STRADIVARIUS retires as the record Group race winning racehorse in Europe and will stand at the National Stud in Newmarket from 2023.

The eight-year-old’s victory in this year’s Yorkshire Cup in May secured his place as the holder of the most European Group race wins with 18, surpassing the previous highest total of 17 Group race victories set by Cirrus Des Aigles.

Stradivarius’ 18 Group wins included seven at the highest level, landing the Group 1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot three times and the Group 1 Goodwood Cup four times. The eight-year-old retires with a career record of 20 wins from 35 starts.

“Stradivarius has been the most extraordinary and unique racehorse throughout his career. He has always maintained his total commitment and enthusiasm,” trainer John Gosden said.

“He exhibited joy in his training and has given enormous pleasure to everyone, both on and off the track.” 

“He was kept in training this year, as an eight-year-old, to run in three races, the Yorkshire Cup, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup. He maintained his form at the highest level in all three races and his positive mindset remained undiminished. It is an amazing feat for an entire horse and speaks volumes for his courage and tenacity. 

“His constitution has been a marvel to behold and his exciting style of travelling easily in a race, and then quickening to pounce, reflected his character. 

“As everyone noticed, he could be very vociferous and playful before a race and quite often put in a buck cantering off to the start. Always an entertainer, but with a tough competitive mind, who was all business when the starting stalls opened. 

“To his owner/breeder [Bjorn Nielsen], to everyone at Clarehaven Stables and to his loving race-going public, he has been a constant source of pleasure and excitement.

“He goes to stud with an amazing race record and enormous affection. To train he has been a complete joy to all of us here. He will remain close to home and is already looking forward to his new career.” 

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