3 minute read
Borderlescott, dual winner of the Nunthorpe Stakes, has been retired.
Photo by Racing and Sports
rainer Robin Bastiman took the decision with owners James Edgar and William Donaldson to call time on the 10-year-old's long career following his last run at Dundalk a month ago.
Bastiman feels age has finally caught up with Borderlescott who, as well as winning the five-furlong Group One in 2008 and 2009, recorded victories in other major sprint races including the Stewards' Cup and Audi King George Stakes.
"We've decided to retire him. We were a bit worried after his last run, he wasn't quite right. He was probably telling us in a way and we roughed him off after that anyway," said Bastiman.
"The owners have given the horse to my daughter Rebecca. He'll be staying with us - he's part of the yard. It's a sad day but he's done us proud. It's time now. He'll be 11 next year and there's all these young sprinters coming along. They lose their pace eventually and he's had to run against the best all the time with his rating.
"The highlight was when he won the Nunthorpe at York on home ground. The first time he won it was at Newmarket as York was abandoned. With him being a Yorkshire horse, that was the day.
"There have been plenty of good days - when he won the Stewards' Cup and he just got beaten a short head the following year. He's simply been a great horse.
"With most Group Ones, they are won by colts and you never see them again, they end up being stallions and he's a gelding.
"He's out in the field now and is as happy as a sand boy. He's being roughed off and talking it well at the moment. He's been a star. He's got a good home and my daughter will look after him."
Borderlescott won 14 of his 66 races and earned £775,000 in prize money. His last success came in the Beverley Bullet in September.