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| Staff Writer |
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Westover, a top-class colt, has unfortunately been forced into retirement due to a career-ending injury. This injury occurred during his second-place finish in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday.
Last year, Ralph Beckett's charge finished third behind Desert Crown at Epsom's Derby. However, he gained compensation with a brilliant win in the Irish Derby and has continued to run with distinction at the highest level as a 4YO. He came second to Japanese superstar Equinox in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, took the runner-up spot in the Coronation Cup in June, and claimed his second Group One victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. He was then narrowly beaten by Hukum in a thrilling renewal of the King George at Ascot in July.
Juddmonte, the owner-breeders, had been targeting major prizes on foreign soil before the end of 2023 after he found only the brilliant Ace Impact too strong in Paris last weekend. Unfortunately, they have now had to prematurely call time on the son of Frankel's racing career.
“It’s devastating news, unfortunately he suffered a career-ending injury on Sunday and he’ll have to be retired,” said Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon.
“Long-term he’ll be fine and he’ll be OK for a stallion career, but we had such good days with him this year and last year, we had an exciting end to the season planned and we were all very excited about it. Unfortunately it’s come to an end.
“We were looking at the Breeders’ Cup and we actually only entered him in the Japan Cup on Tuesday. We were planning on doing a bit of travelling and seeing a bit of the world with him, but unfortunately that’s not to be.”
Mahon expresses confidence that Westover will have a successful second career as a stud. He praises Westover as one of Frankel's finest offspring and cites the promising performance of another one of Frankel's sons, Ace Impact, as evidence of their potential. Mahon believes that Frankel's sons are already making an impressive mark in the industry.
“He’s been beautifully trained by Ralph, Rob Hornby has obviously built up a good association with him last year and this year and Colin Keane was exquisite on him the day he won the Irish Derby.
“It’s been a great story for a lot of people, none more so than Juddmonte. We’re very lucky to have had him.”
Beckett said in a statement, “I am very proud of the horse and what he has achieved, he gave his all every day at home and on the racecourse and we will all miss him.”