Trainer Peter Gelagotis knows the great ride Mourinho has taken him on will one day come to an end.
Mourinho gave Gelagotis his first Group One win this spring in the Underwood Stakes the trainer is looking for more victories at the highest level before the gelding’s retirement.
Mourinho
The eight-year-old is around three weeks away from returning to work after finishing 12th behind Winx in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
Gelagotis has planned a first-up run tilt at the Group One Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February to be followed by the Peter Young Stakes at the same track.
It will then be on to the Australian Cup or a trip to Sydney for the eight-year-old before another spell and a shot at the 2016 spring carnival.
It’s a similar program to the one Mourinho followed this year.
“He’s got to the stage now where that’s his life,” Gelagotis said.
“He’s going to have to compete at the highest level because that’s where his rating is.
“You can’t go backwards on what he’s achieved to date as everything has been upwards and upwards for him.”
Gelagotis is hoping Mourinho can stave off retirement but knows every start the eight-year-old has from now on will bring the end a step closer.
Mourinho has been well cared for by Gelagotis and his staff having faced the starter on 39 occasions, registering 11 wins.
“Eventually the fairytale will have to come to an end,” Gelagotis said.
“He’s not showing any chinks in his armour at this stage.
“Hopefully there’s still 12 to 18 months of good racing in him and he can then retire at the top of his game.”
