Oakleigh Plate winner Woorim has been retired because of ongoing hoof problems.
“There are fractures in his problematic hooves which may well have been lingering for some time and the ongoing battle is insurmountable,” trainer Robert Heathcote said.
Woorim gave Heathcote his first Group One win as a trainer when he produced a barnstorming last-to-first finish to win last year’s Oakleigh Plate.
The gelding failed to beat a runner home when attempting to defend his title in this year’s Oakleigh Plate won by Mrs Onassis at Caulfield on February 23.
“He’s been a super horse and while he’s been frustrating for punters over the years he’s been thrilling in the way many of his wins have been achieved from seemingly impossible positions in running,” Heathcote said.
“They’ll be talking about his Oakleigh Plate win in pubs for years to come.
“To be last at the furlong in one of Australia’s premier sprints and still win to give me my first Group One win is something I’ll never forget.”
Heathcote said Woorim will spend his retirement at Glenlogan Park Stud, near Beaudesert, as a calming influence on yearlings and foals in a similar role to champion miler Super Impose.
