By Brian Sheerin
Joseph O'Brien has revealed that State Of Rest has been retired to stud after Racing Victoria found an issue in an MRI scan that would prevent him travelling to Australia to defend his Cox Plate crown.
The four-time Group/Grade 1 hero was last seen finishing down the field in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville and the O'Brien team feel that the issue that presented itself in the MRI scan was to blame for that poor performance.
State Of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}–Repose {Quiet American}) shot to prominence when winning the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational S. before beating the best of the Australians in the G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last season.
The globetrotting star also made his mark closer to home when landing a memorable Prince Of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot this season. The 4-year-old will now take up stallion duties at Rathbarry Stud in Ireland and Newgate Farm in Australia.
Top, top horse! State Of Rest wins the Prince of Wales's Stakes for @ShaneCrosse and @JosephOBrien2! #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/imepPdlnxc
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 15, 2022
O'Brien said on Tuesday, “Everyone here at Carriganog Racing is so disappointed that State Of Rest's racing career has come to a sudden end. He was without question a remarkably talented, durable and consistent performer. We asked a huge amount of him throughout his career and he delivered every time.”
The trainer added, “He won Group/Grade 1 races on three different continents in the face of a wide variety of tracks, ground conditions and race tempos. It all came alike to him. He had the most incredible constitution and will to win. We'll miss him greatly but we look forward to training his progeny in the years ahead.”
Shane Crosse partnered State Of Rest to both of his Group 1 triumphs in Europe–the Prix Ganay and the Prince of Wales's–and the rider admitted that it may be some time before he is associated with one so good as O'Brien's ace.
He said, “State Of Rest is a spectacular horse. He gave me two of the best days of my career, especially that day at Royal Ascot, and I will never forget them. He was magnificent at Ascot and it's obviously gutting that he has to retire this way but obviously it's great that he finishes his career safe and sound. I was very lucky to be a part of his career and he should make up into a wonderful stallion.”
Asked if Crosse felt like he had questions to answer aboard State Of Rest heading into the Prince Of Wales's after the pair were downed in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh the previous month, the rider said, “We probably did. He ran a huge race in the Tattersalls Gold Cup [finished third] but the main talking horse heading into Royal Ascot was Bay Bridge (GB) (New Bay {GB}).
“He had never taken on Group 1 opposition so we knew we had that advantage over him and we took the bull by the horns in the race. Joseph told me to go out and keep it simple and make them come and catch me. That's what we did and the best horse won on the day. He is just a top-class animal and, as I said, I was just very lucky to be a part of his career.”
State Of Rest retires as the only horse in history to have won three consecutive Group/Grade 1 races in as many different continents and, according to Crosse, O'Brien deserves special recognition for his training of the colt.
He said, “Joseph could have played it safe and took in all of the big races in Europe. He didn't have to go to America or Australia but it just shows the belief that he had in the horse. Joseph never fails to surprise. He pulls something crazy out of the bag every year.
“MJ Doran has also played a huge part in the horse's career. He rides him out every day and has travelled all over the world with him. He knows the horse inside out. Those two men are to thank for keeping State Of Rest at the top of his game for the past few seasons. It will be a while before we come across one as good.”
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