Allan Sharrock was feeling both sad and relieved in the wake of his decision to retire star galloper Kawi.
The New Plymouth trainer announced today
that he had called time on the Savabeel seven-year-old's illustrious career.
"We've had a ride and a-half with him and while it's a shame, I'm also relieved," Sharrock said.
"I know he's not quite right and he's had issues with his joints and his fetlocks are showing a bit of wear and tear. I'd hate to see anything happen to him so that's it.
"I'm not taking any risks, he's been such a great servant. He's the best I've had.
"He's been massive and people don't realise how hard it is to win seven Group Ones."
Kawi was successful in 15 of his 39 starts, but it was a close second that stood out in Sharrock's mind.
"He was great in those big races at Hawke's Bay, but I think his biggest effort was in the Telegraph," Sharrock said.
"He carried topweight and had he not been held up he might still have won. There was a bias toward the inside that day and he was down the middle.
"It's a shame we couldn't equal Mufhasa's record, but that's the way it goes sometimes."
Mufhasa heads the list of New Zealand Group One wins with eight and Kawi shares second with Seachange on seven. – NZ Racing Desk.
