Last year’s Cox Plate runner-up Prognosis has been retired from racing, with the Japanese star now being prepared for a future career at stud.
The Shadai Thoroughbred Club confirmed the seven-year-old suffered a sesamoid ligament injury while preparing for his return to racing.
“After finishing second in the Hong Kong G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April, he had been ridden in preparation for his comeback, but swelling was observed in his right front leg and examination revealed inflammation in the sesamoid ligament,” the statement read.
“After considering the need for a long period of rest and the risk of recurrence, the decision was made to retire him. Discussions are underway with the aim of him becoming a breeding stallion in the future.”
Prognosis started as the $3.40 favourite in last year’s Cox Plate but could not match the brilliant turn of foot produced by Via Sistina, finishing eight lengths behind in second.
The son of Deep Impact’s final start came in Hong Kong in April when he finished runner-up to fellow Japanese galloper Tastiera in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin, with champion Australian jockey James McDonald aboard.
Trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida said: “Although he wasn’t able to win a big race, he had a long and successful career, including on the world stage.
“He came in second in his last race (Queen Elizabeth II Cup) and has always performed well no matter where he was.
“I think he has done really well up until now. He will become a breeding stallion in the future and I believe he will pass on his strengths to his offspring.”
