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| Staff Writer |
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Sir Michael Stoute, one of the most successful Flat trainers of the 20th and 21st centuries, has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2024 Flat season. The 78-year-old Newmarket handler, who began his training career in 1972, is set to bring down the curtain on a remarkable five-decade stint that has seen him capture some of the sport's most coveted prizes.
Stoute's name will forever be linked with the ill-fated Shergar, his first Derby winner in 1981. However, the master of Freemason Lodge has saddled a total of six Epsom Derby victors among his impressive haul of 16 British Classics. His prowess extends far beyond British shores, with 13 Irish Classics to his name and a slew of international triumphs including the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup, Dubai World Cup, Hong Kong Vase, and Breeders' Cup events.
The Barbadian-born trainer's patient approach has been a hallmark of his success, allowing him to nurture countless champions throughout his illustrious career. Stoute's ability to improve horses with age has been evident in his Derby winners, with Workforce setting a course record in 2010 and Desert Crown storming to victory as recently as 2022.
One of Stoute's most memorable moments came in 2013 when Estimate captured the Gr.1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in the colours of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The victory, which sparked scenes of unbridled joy in the Royal Enclosure, cemented Stoute's place in racing folklore and highlighted his ability to prepare horses for the biggest occasions.
Previous Gold Cup winners trained by Stoute include Yeats, who went on to win the race an unprecedented four times, and Sagaro, who claimed a hat-trick of victories in the 1970s.
Throughout his career, Stoute has amassed an impressive array of achievements, including 10 trainers' championships. His global success has seen him saddle winners in some of the world's most prestigious races, with Pilsudski claiming the 1996 Breeders' Cup Turf and Japan Cup, and Singspiel landing the 1997 Dubai World Cup.
Stoute's prowess was recognised beyond the racing world in 1998 when he was knighted for services to tourism in his native Barbados. The honour came at the height of his powers, with the likes of Entrepreneur, King's Best, and Golan all claiming Classic glory around that time.
In a statement to the PA news agency, Stoute said: "I have decided to retire from training at the end of this season. I would like to thank all my owners and staff for the support they have given me over the years. It has been a great and enjoyable journey."
As news of Stoute's impending retirement spread, tributes began pouring in from across the racing industry. Former stable jockey Kieren Fallon said: "He always got the best out of a horse, he was able to take a horse from a 2YO until they retired and keep finding improvement. He was a genius around his horses and a gentleman to ride for."
Current jockey Richard Kingscote, who partnered Desert Crown to Derby glory, added: "He's one of the greatest trainers ever and he will be missed by an awful lot of people and I just hope he enjoys his retirement. Obviously he has given me some great days and my biggest days and he has been a gentleman to ride for over the past five or six years. I will always be very grateful."
As Sir Michael Stoute prepares to bring down the curtain on his remarkable career, the racing world will be watching closely to see if the maestro has one final big-race victory up his sleeve before he bids farewell to the sport he has graced for so long.