Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight who was preparing for a winter campaign in Brisbane has been retired.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained import won a 1500m trial at Caulfield Heath on Thursday morning, but soon after the call was made to retire the gelding.
Without A Fight won the 2023 Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double to etch his name into racing history and in a statement, Anthony and Sam Freedman said it had been a privilege to train the gelding for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.
Having started his career in the UK with Simon and Ed Crisford, Without A Fight came to Australia to run in 2022 Melbourne Cup finishing 13th behind Gold Trip.
Left in the care of the father-and-son Freedman training duo, Without A Fight won the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup and Group 2 Q22, both at Eagle Farm, the following winter before embarking on his successful 2023 spring campaign that saw him complete the Cups double.
Without A Fight spent the majority of 2024 on the sidelines following a tendon injury, returning for a third-place finish behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington last November before a trip to Hong Kong that saw the gelding beat one runner home in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) the following month, his final race start.
Thursday’s trial at Caulfield Heath had been in preparation for a trip to Brisbane where Without A Fight held an entry in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on Saturday week.
“He has been an absolute gentleman to have in the stable and will be remembered as one of the finest stayers of his generation,” the Freedman’s said in a statement.
“His Cups double not only delivered the pinnacle of our training careers but also created unforgettable memories for all involved – from our dedicated track riders, stable hands, vets, farriers, to those at the spelling farms.
“He has left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be a part of his journey.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to his owner, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, for entrusting us with the privilege of training such a remarkable horse in Australia. We are truly indebted to him for the opportunity.
“As Without A Fight begins the next chapter of his life, we wish him the very best in his retirement.
“He has given us all so much – and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Without A Fight retires having registered 11 wins from his 24 starts with career prize money of just over $9.7 million.
