Group 1-winning sprinter Uncommon James has been retired after ending his racing career in perfect fashion with victory during the Queensland winter carnival.
The eight-year-old bows out as one of Queensland’s modern success stories, providing trainer Matt Hoysted, breeder Caitlin Hoysted and jockey Ben Thompson with a memorable breakthrough at the highest level.
Uncommon James delivered the trio their maiden Group 1 success when he captured the Oakleigh Plate at Sandown in 2023.
After battling through injuries and several setbacks, the gelding returned to winning form in June when claiming the Moreton Cup at Eagle Farm.
It was his first victory since his Oakleigh Plate triumph and proved to be the final race of his distinguished career.
Hoysted had initially intended to continue racing the gelding but said ongoing soundness concerns made retirement the right decision.
“We thought it was the right time to pull the pin and go out on a high,” Hoysted said.
The stable had earlier paid tribute to the popular sprinter when announcing his retirement.
Hoysted Racing said Uncommon James had “taken us on a journey that has far exceeded any expectation we could have imagined”.
Uncommon James has now returned to Lavin Park, the property where he was bred, to enjoy his retirement.
