Australia: Godolphin superstar Anamoe, a winner of six G1 races this season alone, has been retired to stud and will not be making his proposed trip to Royal Ascot this summer.
With nine G1 victories to his name altogether, Anamoe is the most successful Godolphin horse ever at G1 level. Trained by James Cummings, he stands at #3 in Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings.
The four-year-old son of Street Boss will join the Darley stallion roster at Kelvinside in New South Wales’s Hunter Valley for the southern hemisphere 2023 covering season at an initial fee of A$121,000 ($81,000/£65,000).
Anamoe retires with a career record of 14 wins and eight places from 25 starts for prize-money in excess of A$12 million ($8m/£6.5m). His regular jockey was current world #1 James McDonald.
He is only the second horse in the last two decades to score at G1 level at two, three and four. He was third to Dubai Honour in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on his final outing on April 8.
“Our team is proud of all he has achieved during his racing career,” said Cummings. “He has never let us down and has been there for us at every start. We wish him all the best in his retirement and we can’t wait to seeing his progeny coming through the stables in the years to come.
“It has been an immense honour and privilege for our team to care for Anamoe and guide him through his racing career,” added the trainer, speaking to the Godolphin website. “His health has always been our top priority and we take great pride in retiring him in such excellent condition.”
After winning the Sires’ Produce as a juvenile, when he was placed in both the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper, Anamoe went on to land Guineas at both Caulfield and Rosehill at three.
He also met interference when a controversial second in the Cox Plate at three, but made no mistake in last year’s race when he claimed Melbourne’s top weight-for-age contest.
News of his retirement is a blow to this year’s Royal Ascot, however, where Anamoe would have been a leading overseas attraction. “It is bittersweet to see Anamoe retire from the racetrack,” admitted Godolphin Australia managing director Vin Cox. “As an iconic figure for Godolphin and the world of horse racing, he leaves a legacy that will not be forgotten and he has nothing more to prove.
“The trifecta of performance, pedigree, and attitude are the most critical factors breeders consider and he possesses them all in spades. As he embarks on his new journey on the prestigious Darley roster, there’s no doubt that he is the most sought after and exceptional stallion Australia has ever seen.”
• Visit the Godolphin website and the Darley Australia website
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