Retirement Beckons For Dunaden After Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Dunaden is coming to the end of his impressive horse racing career, with the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October expected to be his last race.

The Nicobar entire has been in top form this preparation, having finished second in both his previous two race starts.

Dunaden

Dunaden will have his final race start in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Photo by Taron Clarke.

The first was in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at England’s Epsom Down, while the most recent was in the Group 1 Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud in France on June 23.

Dunaden, who is best known in Australian for his successful spring carnival onslaughts, is owned by Sheikh Fahad’s Pearl Bloodstock operation.

Racing Manager, David Redvers, revealed that based on his recent performances he will likely not race on past the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

“We were delighted with how he ran (last start),” Redvers said.

“He didn’t travel through the race like he has done previously, but he finished with his usual gusto and determination.

“He was a bit tired afterwards and I think we’re going to give him a well-earned mid-season break before bringing him back for one of the Arc trials, maybe the Prix Foy.

“After that he’ll run the Arc and, speaking to Sheikh Fahad, the thinking is that will be his last race before he’s retired.

“He’s been the most magnificent servant.”

Dunaden burst onto the Australian racing seen in 2011, winning both the Group 3 Geelong Cup and the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

He then returned last year and claimed an impressive victory in the $2.65 million Caulfield Cup before finishing a gallant 14th of 24 runners with a big weight as he attempted to defend his Melbourne Cup title.

Dunaden has won 10 of his 39 race starts and has earned more than $7.54 million in prize money during his horse racing career.

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