This year's G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire}-Entreat {GB}, by Pivotal {GB}) has been retired from racing after suffering a tendon injury. Stud plans have not yet been decided.
“He suffered a tendon issue that proved to be longer term than first realised, so rather than miss a complete season it was with reluctance that it was decided to retire him to stud,” said trainer Clive Cox. “He was the best horse owned so far by HH Sheikh Sultan Al Deen bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, who has been deeply involved with all decisions regarding what is best for the horse. We had hoped to finish this season on a high in the Champions Sprint at Ascot last Saturday, but it wasn't possible.”
A £65,000 Goffs UK Premier sale yearling, Golden Horde won the G2 Richmond S. at two before finishing third in the G1 Prix Morny and second in the G1 Middle Park S. He opened his 3-year-old campaign with a victory in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot before finishing third while facing elders in the G1 July Cup. After finishing fifth, beaten just 1 1/2 lengths, in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, Golden Horde was third in the G1 Sprint Cup.
“I've been fortunate enough to train some top-class sprinters, most recently Harry Angel, but Golden Horde had all the physical attributes to maintain his progress, plus a wonderful temperament,” Cox added. “He danced every dance, no matter what the course or ground, and was a model of consistency at the highest level. We will all miss having him around, and I hope he will be of interest for the next chapter in his life but greatly look forward to handling his progeny.”
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