Shaquille transitions to breeding career
Dual Group One winner Shaquille retired from racing
Bidding farewell to the racetrack, the talented three-year-old Shaquille has officially retired from racing and will now begin his new journey as a stallion at Dullingham Park Stud. Trained by Julie Camacho, this exceptional colt leaves behind an impressive record, having won seven out of nine career starts.
Shaquille’s remarkable accomplishments include triumphs in both the prestigious Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and the highly competitive July Cup at Newmarket. However, his pursuit of a third consecutive Group One victory was met with disappointment in the Sprint Cup at Haydock where he finished last among 16 runners after racing too eagerly.
A planned appearance on Champions Day had to be abandoned when Shaquille failed to meet expectations during his final workout. Despite this setback, he departs the racing scene with over £782,000 in prize money earned throughout his career.
Julie Camacho expressed her admiration for this exceptional horse via Twitter: “Shaquille was not only a gentleman off the track but also a force to be reckoned with when competing. He provided us with countless unforgettable moments this season by emerging victorious against tough competition in two Group Ones.”
Camacho continued: “His astonishing physical appearance paired with extraordinary talent sets him apart from any other horse we’ve encountered throughout our 50 years in the industry.”
The trainer further conveyed her gratitude towards Martin Hughes, owner and breeder of Shaquille – allowing them the opportunity to raise and train such an exceptional athlete. She concluded her tweet saying, “We were incredibly fortunate to witness his incredible ability firsthand and are excited about witnessing what he passes on through his progeny.”
A new era begins at Dullingham Park
Shaquille’s retirement marks a significant milestone for Dullingham Park as he becomes the stud’s first stallion. Situated near Newmarket, this renowned breeding establishment owned by Steve Parkin welcomes Shaquille and looks forward to his future contributions in siring exceptional racehorses.
As the curtain falls on his racing career, Shaquille leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of the most talented horses to grace the track. Racing enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in his story as he embarks on a new adventure at Dullingham Park Stud.