 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
The talented miler Charyn, trained by Roger Varian, will retire to stud after this season, following a glittering career highlighted by victories at Royal Ascot and Deauville. Owner Nurlan Bizakov confirmed that the 4YO son of Dark Angel will make his next and potentially final appearance in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day, October 19.
Bizakov hinted at further international ambitions, stating that Charyn could be bound for the US or Japan before concluding his racing career. "
Charyn's immense talent will be on display again on October 19 at Ascot, followed by possible tilts at either the Breeders’ Cup Mile on November 2 or Japan’s Mile Championship on November 17," said Bizakov.
Charyn has showcased stellar form this season, starting with a resounding victory in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. His summer campaign continued to impress when he clinched the Gr.1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville, further establishing himself as one of Europe's top milers. His narrow defeat in the Prix du Moulin served as a reminder of his competitive spirit, setting the stage for a potential final hurrah at Ascot.
Notably, previous winners of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes include Baaeed (2022), who retired unbeaten after a scintillating season, and Palace Pier (2021), a multiple Gr.1 winner who went on to a successful stud career. Both horses underlined their dominance on the mile circuit before embarking on new chapters, much like Charyn aims to do.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot is shaping up to be a mouth-watering clash, with a strong French contingent ready to challenge Charyn. Facteur Cheval, trained by Jerome Reynier, is sticking to the mile distance after a respectable season. Despite limited appearances, he secured victory in the Dubai Turf in March and has since placed in top-class races, including the Gr.1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
"Facteur Cheval is in good shape. We’ve been thinking about the Breeders’ Cup, but it makes sense to follow the same plan as last year and go back to Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes," Reynier noted. Facteur Cheval finished second in the 2023 edition, and the team is optimistic about his chances this year.
Joining the fray is Metropolitan, the French 2000 Guineas winner trained by Mario Baratti. The Zarak colt has had a consistent season, placing third in the St James’s Palace Stakes and second to Charyn in the Marois. Baratti is confident that Metropolitan has progressed further since their last encounter. "He is getting stronger all the time, and I have been very happy with his preparation for Champions Day."
After Ascot, Charyn may head to the US for the Breeders’ Cup Mile or to Japan for the Mile Championship, both prestigious races that could serve as a fitting finale for the colt before he transitions to stud. His new home will be Haras de Montfort et Preaux in France, where Bizakov is eager to see his star take on a new role. "Although he has become a familiar name on the European stage, I cannot wait to unveil Charyn in his new role."
With Charyn’s retirement on the horizon, racing fans will watch with anticipation as the exceptional miler bids farewell to the track, potentially adding to his Group One tally before embarking on the next chapter of his remarkable career.