Multiple Group One winner and dual Queensland Horse of the Year Antino has been retired from racing after his fourth placing in the Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The Tony Gollan-trained seven-year-old was found to have heat and swelling in his right fore tendon on Sunday.
Further veterinary examinations on Monday confirmed Antino sustained an injury to that tendon during the race.
After consultation with the owners, the decision was made to retire the striking son of Redwood from racing.
The Redwood (GB) gelding retires as a winner of 13 races from 33 starts including the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) in 2024 and last year’s Gr.1 Doomben Cup (2000m). He is also a winner of consecutive Queensland Horse of the Year titles in 2024 and 2025.
In addition to his 13 career victories and seven placings, Antino shared a particularly good affinity with jokey Blake Shinn, who mastered the mid-race move on the exciting weight-for-age galloper whose racing style endeared him to a legion of fans.
“It is with tremendous sadness we have had to make this decision given the thrills and excitement he has provided the racing industry from fans to our staff and owners,” Gollan said.
“I wish to thank Jeetu Ramchandani and the ownership group for the opportunity to train Antino and my wider team who have contributed to his training and preparation since the gelding joined our stable in 2022.
“Antino will enjoy a well-deserved retirement after his rehabilitation from injury.”
The quality galloper consistently raced in elite company, and despite not winning since the Doomben Cup last year, had split Sir Delius and Via Sistina when second in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) to start amongst the favourites in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m).
Antino was purchased for $27,000 by Hong Kong-based Ramchandani under his New Balance Racing banner at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale and went on to amass prize-money of A$3,465,065. – NZ Racing Desk
