I Wish I Win, a two-time Group 1 winner, has officially retired after pulling up slightly lame following a race on Tuesday.
Waikato Stud confirmed that the Peter Moody-trained horse would race no more, bringing an end to a career that saw him win or place in 21 of his 25 starts, earning over $12.8 million in prizemoney.
His victories include the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1200m), and the Golden Eagle (1500m).
He also finished a remarkable second in the 2023 The Everest (1200m), along with placings in eight other Group 1 events.
“We’ll always do what’s best for the horse,” said Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick.
“This decision wasn’t easy but on the advice of Peter (Moody) and Katherine (Coleman), we all felt the time was right for ‘Wishy’ to hang up the reins.
“He will come home and have a paddock right outside our house for the rest of his days. He will be looked after like a king, because he is one.”
The six-year-old’s final race was a commendable third in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, behind Mr Brightside and Tom Kitten.
Moody reflected on the horse’s incredible career, saying, “He ran third a margin in weight-for-age and it’s a shame we didn’t win, but he’s been a fabulous horse for the stable and given Katherine, myself and the stable the ride of a lifetime over the last two-and-a-half years.”
“Our stable are extremely grateful to the team Waikato for giving us this opportunity.”
