Manduro, the highest-rated horse in the world, has been retired after picking up an injury during racing on Sunday.
Highest-rated horse in the world retired through injury.
Manduro, the highest-rated horse in the world, has been retired after picking up an injury during racing on Sunday.
The five-year-old won the Prix Foy at Longchamp and Andre Fabre's charge was being prepared for a shot at the Prx de l'Arc de Triomphe.
However, after finishing the race lame Maduro was taken to see specialists and it now appears that his promising career has been ended prematurely.
Paul Harley, racing manager to owner Baron Georg Von Ullman, told At The Races that connections were devastated with the news.
"It's desperately sad and we are all devastated. He's had a very comfortable night," said Harley.
"Unfortunately, 10 minutes after the race he became lame and he was taken to see the specialists.
"It does appear not to be life-threatening but it does appear to be the end of his racing career."
Unbeaten run
Manduro was unbeaten in his last five races and had been successful at the top level over both a mile and ten furlongs.
Sunday was his first try at 12 furlongs and he came home a by two-and-a-half-lengths at Longchamp was a big favour for the Arc.
"We have no idea where the injury was sustained but unfortunately these things happen and they always seem to happen to the good ones," added Harley.
"He's always been a very sound horse. Early in his three-year-old career he had a few little niggly problems but nothing serious."
"The Baron is absolutely gutted. He hasn't made it to the office this morning. He's absolutely devastated and cannot put it into words.
"He is concerned about the horse's welfare and he is happy that the horse's life is not in any danger."
Mature
Harley said that Manduro had matured this season, which had led to his fine form which had seen him rated as the best horse in the world.
"He came into his own this year and I would put that down to maturity," added Harley.
"Obviously Mr Fabre has done a fantastic job with him, especially this year.
"He taught the horse how to relax and he has been more grown up than ever before.
"He goes off to Sheikh Mohammed's Dalham Hall Stud now and I'm sure he'll be as great a success as a stallion as he was as a racehorse."
