‘Not to be’ for legendary Shergar trainer Sir Michael Stoute as final runner before retirement trails in last
SIR MICHAEL STOUTE, the legendary trainer of Shergar, did not receive the fairytale ending he deserved when his final runner trailed in last at Nottingham on Wednesday.
The 9-4 favourite Wanderlust, ridden by Richard Kingscote, finished a whopping 48 lengths behind the winner.
Stoute, who has not been seen much at the track in the last few months, was not there to witness the anti-climax.
The late Queen’s favourite trainer in September announced he would retire at the end of this season after 52 years of relentless success.
Most famously, the Newmarket icon trained the brilliant Shergar, who in 1983 was infamously kidnapped by an armed gang while at stud in Ireland.
The champion racehorse won the Derby in 1981 by a record 10 lengths. But his disappearance remains a mystery.
Shergar was valued at £10million when he disappeared.
Some believe the IRA snatched the horse, as they were looking for new sources of funding around the same time.
Despite the extraordinary events, the Barbadian’s success continued unhindered.
Stoute, 78, was crowned champion trainer a whopping 10 times during his career and won the Derby six times, most recently with Desert Crown in 2022.
And while things did not go to plan at Nottingham, there was an outpouring of appreciation for him regardless on X, formerly known as Twitter.
One punter said: ” Not to be today, but one of the all time greats.”
And Great British Racing, who paid tribute, said: “An incredible career draws to a close.”
Another Stoute fan referred to him as a ‘Hall of Famer’ while another mused ‘what a career he has had – wow.”
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
Stoute has saddled more than 4,000 winners, 82 of which were Royal Ascot winners, his first being in 1977.
Among the most memorable of his successes at the Royal meeting was the late Queen’s top-class mare Estimate, who won the Gold Cup in 2013 sending the venue into jubilation.
He also saddled 29 British and Irish Classic winners, and was not a stranger to some big wins on the global stage either.
He won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2010 with Workforce, while he also bagged the Japan Cup, Dubai World Cup, Hong Kong Vase and several races at the Breeders’ Cup in America.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
