Star mare retired before the Caulfield Cup

Leading Caulfield Cup contender Moira will not take her place in Saturday’s Group 1 and has been retired.

Trainer Chris Waller confirmed the news just hours before Wednesday’s barrier draw, stating the call was made by owners and breeding powerhouse Yulong.

Prior to the announcement, Moira had firmed to around $26 for the Caulfield Cup.

“Moira is obviously a world-class mare and while she hasn’t yet quite reached those same heights here in Australia, her performance earlier in the prep gave us a glimpse of her class,” Waller’s statement read.

“We simply feel that she is not racing at her absolute best right now and with her extraordinary resume, she will be an outstanding broodmare, a real asset to the Australian breeding industry.

“In 2024 she captured the Grade I Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar. Earlier in her career, she won the Queen’s Plate in record time, becoming only the 38th filly ever to win that race. She also took out the Woodbine Oaks and claimed graded wins such as the Canadian Stakes and Beverly D. Stakes. Credit and thanks must go to her previous trainer, Kevin Attard, who trained her impeccably and kept her in great condition.

“It’s fantastic to see international-class horses coming into Australia; it clearly lifts our breeding pool and bloodlines. We very much look forward to seeing her progeny develop and race in the years to come.”

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