Group 1 Globetrotter Side Glance Retired

Trainer Andrew Balding has revealed talented Group 1-winning globetrotter Side Glance has been retired from racing following an impressive forty start career.

2013 Mackinnon Stakes winner Side Glance has been retired from racing. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

2013 Mackinnon Stakes winner Side Glance has been retired from racing. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Side Glance produced eight wins and fourteen minor places through an impressive career; undoubtedly highlighted by his sole victory at the highest level in the 2013 edition of the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

Having contested races in his native UK, the Middle East, the United States, Canada and Singapore as well as two Melbourne Spring Carnival campaigns in Australia, Balding is understandably disappointed the standout eight-year-old has reached the end of his racing tenure, but is thrilled to have saddled the gelding through his entire career.

“Winning the Mackinnon Stakes must rank as the highlight, but his fourth place in last year’s Cox Plate, when he was beaten just half a length, was a brilliant effort,” Balding wrote on the Pearl Bloodstock website.

“He was so courageous, durable and versatile.

“He has run in Hong Kong, Singapore, America, Canada, Australia, Dubai, and always went with a chance of winning.

“We’ll miss him, because he was bred by my mother and has been here since he was a foal, but he’s going to a good home.”

Side Glance undoubtedly stamped his claims as one to watch through a standout 2011 preparation, highlighted by successes in all of the Listed Paradise Stakes (1609m), Listed Royal Windsor Stakes (1670m) and Group 3 Sovereign Stakes (1609m).

Returning in 2012 in similarly slick form, the son of Passing Glance won the Group 3 Diomed Stakes (1713m) before finishing third behind equine superstar Frankel in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (160m) during the Royal Ascot Carnival.

Continuing to impress over the next two years, Side Glance arrived for his second Australian campaign after placing third in the Group 1 Arlington Million XXXII Stakes (2011m) on August 16th; leaving a last impression when running third in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) and fourth in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.