 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Master of The Seas, the hero of the 2023 Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Mile, has been retired to his birthplace, with owner-breeder Godolphin announcing the news on social media platform X yesterday.
The 6YO gelding, trained by Charlie Appleby, enjoyed a glittering career that saw him secure five group victories across Ireland, the United Kingdom and Dubai before embarking on his successful North American campaign.
Godolphin posted: "Master of The Seas has returned home! ... He had an exceptional career, winning a G2 on just his second start and retired a three-time G1 winner after victories in the Woodbine Mile, Breeders' Cup Mile and the Maker's Mark Mile. Master Of The Seas will now enjoy his retirement back at Kildangan Stud and become a flagbearer for the #GodolphinLifetimeCare program."
The son of Dubawi announced himself on the international stage when launching a stunning last-to-first performance in the 2023 Gr.1 Woodbine Mile Stakes, drawing away to win by 3¾ lengths. Returning a month later at Keeneland, Master of The Seas was narrowly denied by a nose when second to 2023 Eclipse Award-winning champion turf male Up to the Mark in the Gr.1 Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes.
His defining moment came at Santa Anita Park in November 2023, taking on the world's elite turf milers in the Breeders' Cup. Rallying from the back of the pack, Master of The Seas produced a stirring finish to edge stablemate Mawj in a memorable 1-2 finish for Godolphin.
Making just one appearance as a 6YO, Master of The Seas bowed out in style by landing the Gr.1 Maker's Mark Mile Stakes at Keeneland in April 2024, bringing his career earnings to US$2,520,582 from a record of nine wins, three seconds and two thirds in 17 starts.
The talented miler will now serve as an ambassador for Godolphin's Lifetime Care programme at Kildangan Stud in Ireland.