Speedy sprinter Adebisi retires

Trainer Desleigh Forster’s speedy sprinter Adebisi has been retired after finishing down the track when eighth in the $65,000 Hamilton Hotel Open Handicap (1200m) at Doomben last Saturday.

Adebisi with part owner Mary Collier, left, and trainer Desleigh Forster, after one of his twelve wins. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Adebisi with part owner Mary Collier, left, and trainer Desleigh Forster, after one of his twelve wins. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Adebisis showed his customary speed out the barriers on Saturday to the lead the field to the home turn but the old stamina is clearly not there anymore and he faded in the straight to beat two runners home.

The eight year old has mixed it with the best sprinters in the land and goes to the retirement paddock with an impressive record of twelve wins, seven seconds and three thirds from fifty-seven starts with $881,000 in winning prizemoney and bonuses.

“We had a wonderful time with him,” Forster told AAP.

“He will now go to the paddock and be used as a mentor for younger horses.”

“He cost only $15,000 but we have had 100 times that amount of fun with him.”

The majority of Adebisi’s races saw him out in front free wheeling, but the Shovhog gelding hasn’t been to the winner’s circle since winning an 1110m Open Handicap at Doomben in September, 2014.

Adebisi proved his worth on the Brisbane racing scene and Forster also made several interstate trips with him and he was able to win the Group 3 $150,000 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield during the 2013 Melbourne Autumn Carnival.

The speedy chestnut was also able win at Group 3 level on his home turf with a win the 2011 Group 3 $200,000 George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Doomben.

Adebisi was tested at Group 1 level on four occasions and even though he missed the placings wasn’t far out of the prizemoney when fifth to Pressday in the 2010 $500,000 T J Smith (1600m) at Eagle Farm and was beaten just under two lengths when fifth to Mrs Onassis in the 2013 $400,000 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.

He also won the 2012 Listed $100,000 Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Warwick Farm while he collected his first winning cheque in a 1000m two year old Plate at Eagle Farm in 2009.

Part owner and prominent Brisbane racing identity Mary Collier used twitter to reflect on the successful racing career of Adebisi.

“Reflecting on the fabulous career of Adebisi. Won his maiden way back in October 2009. Hard to believe we’ve had 12 wins across 3 states,” Collier tweeted.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.