The
Group I ATC TJ Smith Stakes has signalled the end of racing for two high
profile multiple Group I winners in Shoals and Trapeze Artist, who will retire to
Widden Stud.
Upon
pulling-up after finishing seventh, the Gerald Ryan trained Trapeze Artist was
found to have a large haematoma on his near side shoulder.
"That's it," Ryan said. "Bert (Vieira)said, 'enough is enough'.
"I'd say he's torn a muscle and it's haemorrhaged.
"He's been such a wonderful horse to all of us and I look forward to his first
son or daughter to walk into my stables."
Trapeze Artist retires with the overall record of seven wins and four placings
from 20 starts with earnings in excess of $5.5 million. His feature wins include
the Group I ATC Golden Rose, TJ Smith Stakes (last year), All Aged Stakes and
Canterbury Stakes.
Blue-blooded Fastnet Rock mare Shoals will also head to a stud career at
Arrowfield Stud. Bred and retained to race by John Messara and Jonathan Munz, the
daughter of Fastnet Rock won seven of 15 starts earning $2.5 million with
highlight wins in the Group I VR Myer Classic, ATC Surround Stakes and SAJC Sangster
Stakes.
"We
have retired her this morning," assistant trainer Sam Freedman said on Sky
Radio on Sunday morning.
"She has run her last race for us.
"She has been an amazing horse for us and has got incredible residual
value at stud.
"She is small in stature but a big heart and put in 100 percent every
start.
"You would love to have one of her every year in the stable."
The full brother to Shoals as the top lot at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling
Sale last year fetching $2.3 million. Named Groundswell and also trained by Anthony
Freedman, he is yet to race.