Stradivarius “best stayer in the world” retires after a brilliant career: what’s next for the legendary horse?

Stradivarius has been retired, it was confirmed by owner-breeder Bjorn Nielsen on Monday morning.

Trained by John & Thady Gosden, Stradivarius made a whopping £3.5million by winning 20 of their 35 races, including three Ascot Gold Cups.

The eight-year-old has also won four Goodwood Cups, three Lonsdale Cups and the Doncaster Cup twice.

The local-bred chestnut was dubbed the ‘best stayer in the world’ when he was called home to win in style in his third and final Ascot Gold Cup victory.

Stradivarius won seven Group 1 meetings, the highest level of racing, which contributed significantly to his winnings which amounted to £2,906,285.

The majority of the wins have come from superstar jockey, Frankie Dettori, whose last ride was in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June 2022.

The jockey himself led the kind words for a horse that wins all popularity contests.

Unfortunately, the legendary stayer couldn’t cap his memorable career with a win and was just denied by Kyprios with a neckline in the Goodwood Cup in July.

Fans lined up to see a plethora of amazing stayers with plenty of cheering for the fan favorite on the line.

There were rumors of an impending retirement at the start of the season and since then fans have turned out in droves and pitched in to cheer him one last time.

What future for Stradivarius?

Stradivarius will now join the Newmarket National Stud stallion list after a legendary career.

Joining the likes of Lope Y Fernandez, Flag Of Honour, Rajasinghe and Time test who, between them, have an unprecedented group form.

Stradivarius will reside in the heart of British racing, a place fit for a gaming legend.

“He trotted and galloped, but it took longer to get over the bruised foot than we thought,” Nielsen told the Racing Post of his Sea The Stars son. “We felt it would be unfair to ask him to return at the age of nine next season after his enforced leave.

“It was a fairy tale from start to finish. Until this setback, he had never been medicated and had never missed an engagement due to injury.

“He had a great presence when he went to the races, which the crowds loved, and his general solidity was rare to see in any horse – let alone one his age. It’s a tribute to John Gosden, who shaped it so brilliantly for so long.