Stable favourite retired

The stable this week announced the retirement of one of its most successful gallopers in Sarrera.

Not only was Sarrera an outstanding racehorse - the winner of eight races, two Gr.1 events (the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Doomben Cup) and over $1.1 in stakes - but he was a horse of great character and determination.

Much loved by everyone at Ballymore, Sarrera won his first start at Echuca on August 17, 2003 and since that time has proven himself a consistent, tough and classy competitor.

Improving as he matured, Sarrera worked his way through the grades - in September 2005 over 2000m winning at Listed level at Caulfield. Close up in a couple of spring features he then endured one of his many career setbacks, off the scene for 11 months.

In the spring of 2006 Sarrera won the Ansett Stakes at Mornington and in the following May he dug deep to win the Warrnambool Cup.

It was during the autumn of 2006 that he really hit the straps however, enjoying travelling interstate - winning the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes after backed in from 100-1 to 50-1.

On to Brisbane, he won the Gr.1 Doomben Cup - in his two big race victories defeating the likes of Nom du Jeu, Desert War, Tuesday Joy and Scenic Shot.

Sarrera contested a second Queen Elizabeth this year. Last at the turn he flashed home late to only just miss picking up Pompeii Ruler.

Second to Daffodil in the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate at Hastings in September, Sarrera was unplaced at two subsequent outings - his long run of injuries and age catching up with him.

Name a problem - Sarrera had it! A bowed tendon, colic, and a cracked rib and burst spleen after being kicked by stablemate Mission Critical.

He has however been retired in good shape, a fine achievement for a nine-year-old and Michael Moroney is proud of that - "I'm glad that he has retired nice and sound," he said. "He's done a great job and he deserves his retirement."

 

In other stable news, VRC Derby champ may head over the ocean to contest the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie. A decision will be made soon.