Zarkava’s career: Blink and miss it

This week has seen an abundance of retirements on the equine front. After teasing much of the racing community, it was officially announced on Monday that Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe heroine, Zarkava, has run her last race and a life in the paddocks awaits. I’m in two minds whether I support the decision or not.

It’s true this outstanding three-year-old filly owes connections absolutely nothing; her unbeaten record of seven from seven, with five victories at the highest level slotted in for good measure, speaks for itself, but on the other hand, with such a large international racing programme it would have been fantastic if her owner had given her the chance to prove her worth on the world stage. Then she could really go down in the books as a true great.

It’s worth pointing out that she has never raced away from French soil. In my opinion, Alain de Royer-Dupre’s charge has a long way to go before being considered in the same league as, let’s say the exceptional mare Ouija Board.

Ouija Board raced 22 times and scored on 10 occasions in a career spanning four seasons. Success came in two Breeders’ Cups, an Epsom Oaks and a Hong Kong Vase. Surely that is the record of a true champion. I applaud her connections for their sporting attitude towards the way they allowed racegoers to see their favourite racehorse in action for so many years.

Unfortunately, within the blink of an eye the remarkable career of Zarkava is over and we are now left wondering how good she really could have been. A life at stud awaits and her offspring are sure to attract plenty of hefty price tags. Let’s hope we get to see them racing for more than a year.

Brown and out

Big Brown, possibly the main rival to Curlin this season, also had his career cut short this week after going through his final stages of preparation before appearing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Perhaps a little earlier than anticipated, as the Kentucky Derby winner was due to have his swansong at Santa Anita.

At the grand old age of three, it had always been the plan to retire him to stud after his eagerly awaited clash with racing’s highest earner but as is often the case in this game, it doesn’t always go to plan.

However, nearing the "veteran" stage of his career, aged four, at least we still have Curlin to enjoy!

Tower falls

Phoenix Tower, who would have been a popular choice for many in the Emirates airline-sponsored Champion Stakes at Newmarket, has also run his last race. He was also being taken through a routine gallop at home, but suffered a tendon injury; hence Henry Cecil’s prolific Group One Bridesmaid will soon have a list of short-term girl friends.

All is not lost however, as the master at Warren Place could very well welcome in the winner of the Newmarket feature courtesy of Twice Over.