There had been much speculation since The Autumn Sun won last weekend's Group
One Rosehill Guineas whether he would press on for a clash with Winx in the
Queen Elizabeth Stakes, be retired to stud immediately or spell with a view to
a four year-old preparation.Today has answered one of those questions, however the question of whether he races again remains to be settled with the "ownership group yet to meet regarding his future".
Arrowfield Stud, home of the recently deceased Redoute's Choice bought into The Autumn Sun after his last campaign with the colt set to eventually stand at his birthplace and home of his sire.
Chris Wallers full media release is below.
Dear Racing Media and the followers of The Autumn Sun,
Today it has been my advice to the ownership group of The Autumn Sun (Hermitage and Arrowfield) that he now be spelled.
This decision was formed on the basis that he is still a young horse who is continuing to grow and develop and whilst it may not be seen in that light by racing enthusiasts and his growing fan base, it is my job as his trainer to look after these horses to ensure they can be followed and continue their careers with distinction. It is not my job to make a decision on when he retires, however, it is my job to manage the horse to the best of my ability and I take great pride in what has been achieved thus far.
I would like to remind people who may wish to question my decision to spell of some facts in relation to this horse's brilliant career thus far:
• This time last year he had not commenced his racing career and since his first start on April 25, 2018 he has now had nine starts including five Group 1 wins;
• As a 2YO he had his first race start less than 12 months ago on April 25 over 1200m, which saw him run 1:08.6 at Randwick and on that occasion he came from well back on the turn to pull away late for a brilliant victory;
• Also at two he tackled a Group 1 race at only his third start, which he managed to win, as well as defeating two very good horses in Zousain and Fundamentalist;
• Following his first Group 1 win, he was given a let-up before resuming over 1500m as a spring 3YO on a very heavy track and as a victim of circumstances suffered his only ever defeat;
• In his second start as a 3YO, he dropped back to 1400m for the G1 Golden Rose and from the outside barrier came from last to first to come away with his second G1 win in what is regarded as one of Australia's premier stallion-making races;
• At his third start in the Spring he raced in Melbourne in the G1 Caulfield Guineas, his first attempt racing left-handed and came away with a 4.5-length win;
• Following a spell, he returned for his Autumn preparation, which has seen his winning sequence continue where he has now extended his record to eight wins in 10 months of racing; and
• This horse has exceptional ability and that has allowed him to win 5 x G1 races at this very early age and in an immature state.
Providing The Autumn Sun returns for another preparation, and one which I am fully endorsing, I am extremely excited by what may be able to be achieved as a 4YO. I have first-hand experience of the benefit time can provide a horse when looked after during their juvenile years and I feel I am best qualified to make the judgement on the future improvement he will make as a developed and mature horse. The ownership group are yet to meet regarding his future, however, we look forward to doing so to both reflect on what he has achieved and discuss what his future may hold.
Further to this release, it comes as a very sad day with the news of The Autumn Sun's sire in Redoute's Choice passing away. I wish to use this opportunity to pass on my condolences to Arrowfield Stud, the Messara family and all of the staff and loyal supporters associated with this wonderful horse. The loss of Redoute's Choice will be felt by our racing and breeding industry and I feel it is important to acknowledge the influence he has had on raising our industry standards from both a racing and breeding perspective over the past 20 years
