Group I Stars Retired After TJ

Tara Madgwick - Sunday April 7
The Group I ATC TJ Smith Stakes has signalled the end of racing for two high profile multiple Group I winners in Shoals and Trapeze Artist, who will retire to Widden Stud.

The injury suffered by Trapeze Artist - image courtesy RacenetUpon pulling-up after finishing seventh, the Gerald Ryan trained Trapeze Artist was found to have a large haematoma on his near side shoulder.

"That's it," Ryan said. "Bert (Vieira)said, 'enough is enough'.

"I'd say he's torn a muscle and it's haemorrhaged.

"He's been such a wonderful horse to all of us and I look forward to his first son or daughter to walk into my stables."

Trapeze Artist retires with the overall record of seven wins and four placings from 20 starts with earnings in excess of $5.5 million. His feature wins include the Group I ATC Golden Rose, TJ Smith Stakes (last year), All Aged Stakes and Canterbury Stakes.

Blue-blooded Fastnet Rock mare Shoals will also head to a stud career at Arrowfield Stud. Bred and retained to race by John Messara and Jonathan Munz, the daughter of Fastnet Rock won seven of 15 starts earning $2.5 million with highlight wins in the Group I VR Myer Classic, ATC Surround Stakes and SAJC Sangster Stakes.

"We have retired her this morning," assistant trainer Sam Freedman said on Sky Radio on Sunday morning.

Farewell Shoals - image Steve Hart"She has run her last race for us.

"She has been an amazing horse for us and has got incredible residual value at stud.

"She is small in stature but a big heart and put in 100 percent every start.

"You would love to have one of her every year in the stable."

The full brother to Shoals as the top lot at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale last year fetching $2.3 million. Named Groundswell and also trained by Anthony Freedman, he is yet to race.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Embellish Filly Wins Listed Tasmanian Oaks
Coming off a last start maiden victory over 1717m at Sale, the Phillip Stokes trained 3yo Embellish (NZ) filly Kazaru (NZ) proved the superior stayer at Launceston on Friday night, winning the Listed Tasmania Oaks (2100m) for OTI Racing.
Unbeaten Run Continues as Aristopolos Wins Gold Sovereign
Taking his record to five from five, outstanding St Mark’s Basilica (FR) colt Aristopolos gave nothing else a chance in Friday night’s Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) at Launceston with John Blacker trained 2yo pulling clear to win by two lengths.
Vale, Reliable Man
Westbury Stud today announced with great sadness the passing of high-class racehorse and outstanding sire Reliable Man, who was humanely euthanised on veterinary advice due to post-surgical complications following the removal of a melanoma.
Records Tumble as Gingerbread Man Colt Tops Book Two
A colt by leading local sire Gingerbread Man topped Book Two when selling for $190,0000 as the 2026 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale rounded out with record breaking results.
Waters awarded 2026 Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship
Niamh Waters has been announced as the 2026 recipient of the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship and will depart on Saturday to begin her 30-week international experience.
Breeding To Win - 2026 G1 Blue Diamond Stakes
The late withdrawal on Friday morning of unbeaten Bivouac colt Big Sky from the $2million Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) has taken a key contender from the mix, but with a full field of 16 it's a race packed with intrigue.
The Real Diamonds in a Rhinestone World
It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world -   Dolly Parton - Who is the authentic juvenile gem and who are the cut-glass pretenders in the 2026 G1 Blue Diamond Stakes field? 
MRC Foundation pledges more than $50,000 to support Victorian bushfire recovery
The MRC Foundation will contribute more than $50,000 in direct financial and practical support to bushfire-affected communities across northeast Victoria, as regional racing families begin the long road to recovery following the recent Longwood fires.
Anamoe breeding right among extraordinarily strong Inglis Feb (Late) catalogue
A breeding right in first season sire sensation Anamoe, multiple Stakes horses and young mares with highly desirable pregnancies are just some of the highlights of one of the strongest Inglis Digital catalogues ever assembled.
Trapeze Artist Nomination to be auctioned to the benefit of the Angland family
A nomination to four-time Group 1 winner Trapeze Artist for the 2019 Australian breeding season will open the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, with all proceeds going to injured jockey Tye Angland.