Simcock Stayer Retired

[Wandering Eyes]

David Simcock has announced the retirement of his remarkable gelding Sheikhzayedroad (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The 9-year-old ran his last race when second in the listed Jockey Club Rose Bowl S. at Newmarket last month and connections have decided to call time on the career of Mohammed Jaber’s stayer, whose finest hour came in 2014 when he won the GI Northern Dancer Turf S. at Woodbine. “He has earned a happy retirement as a hack at Trillium Place, which is wonderful,” Simcock said on Tuesday. “He has been a sound horse all his life and I would hate anything to happen to him. When he was second the last time and looked like he was going to win, he probably just lacked maybe a bit of enthusiasm at the end. That was probably him saying ‘I’ve had enough’,” he added. Sheikhzayedroad was bred by Rabbah Bloodstock and he won five group races in total over seven seasons of racing including the G2 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance up and the G2 Doncaster Cup. “He has given us some wonderful days. Even back to when he won a handicap on Derby day as a four-year-old. The highlight was probably Ascot, Champions’ Day. It’s a Championship meeting but that was one of many highlights. Winning [the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy] in Dubai, finishing placed in two Dubai Gold Cups. And Woodbine was very special, obviously – winning his Grade 1. There was lots to like,” Simcock said. Sheikhzayedroad retires with a race record of 49-11-6-13 for prize-money of £1,296,695.

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