THEY say you should always leave your audiences wanting more, and knowing we'll never again enjoy the amazing spectacle of the brilliant Zarkava in full flow has certainly done that.
The news most people in racing were expecting, but deep down really didn't want to hear, came yesterday when owner the Aga Khan confirmed his unbeaten filly was to be retired to stud. You can almost hear all her budding suitors, and there will be
plenty, starting to form an orderly queue.
The final chapter in a glittering career that yielded seven wins from seven outings was played out in the Arc de Triomphe earlier this month when she put the colts in their place with a breathtaking two length victory, in the process cementing her status as one of the sport's modern-day superstars.
"While no-one will regret more than my management team and I not to see Zarkava race again, we have decided to retire her and she will be an invaluable asset to this essential part of our activity," said the Aga Khan.
If things go to plan, Dalakhani, the Aga Khan's 2003 Arc winner, will cover Zarkava in her first season as a mum-in-waiting next year so the rest of the queue are going to have to be patient.
"The quality and youth of our broodmare band is of the utmost importance to ensure we remain breeders of racehorses capable of performing at the top level.
"We have produced three exceptional fillies in three consecutive years, Mandesha, Darjina and now Zarkava. Their addition will enhance the economic value and the potential for success of future generations at a time when competition is becoming increasingly global.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people employed at my Irish and French studs for their remarkable work. Without their tireless dedication, we would not be able to breed and race champions.
"Furthermore, Christophe Soumillon (jockey], Alain de Royer-Dupre (trainer], and all his staff must be applauded for their admirable work in producing Zarkava at the top of her form for all of those seven wonderful races."
Like everyone else, De Royer-Dupre knows the economics of the game although the sportsman in him was understandably downcast at yesterday's announcement. "As a trainer, it is normal to feel some disappointment but I understand it is important for the valuable continuation of the Aga Khan's breeding operation," he said.
"Zarkava is going to be a wonderful prospect at stud. Her Arc win was unbelievable, especially as she hit traffic jams during the race. I always said her greatest quality was her acceleration and her ability to make up so much space in such a short space of time was incredible.
"It is not very often a horse like this comes along, I have been very lucky and Zarkava has been a beautiful story," added the Chantilly-based handler.
A couple of other old favourites punters can say goodbye to are Big Brown and Phoenix Tower, both of whom are set to follow Zarkava into retirement. Winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, Big Brown was expected to face 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin in the Breeders' Cup in a few weeks' time but a foot injury suffered in a training spin at Aqueduct yesterday morning has put the kybosh on that much anticipated clash.
As for Phoenix Tower, second in four Group 1 contests this term, a tendon injury has ruled him out of Saturday's Champion Stakes at Newmarket and the Henry Cecil-trained colt will now also head off to stud.
Unfortunately, as some of you doubtless think, The Scotsman nap just keeps rolling along, today's best bet going on Jonjo O'Neill's Tempsford at Huntingdon.
The full article contains 630 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
