Another Setback Brings the Curtain Down on Isle Of Jura’s Career

[Wandering Eyes]

Royal Ascot hero and prolific Bahrain winner Isle Of Jura (New Approach) has been retired from racing after suffering another setback.

The five-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, notably securing the Bahrain Triple Crown, before returning to Britain to provide trainer George Scott with a first Royal Ascot triumph when beating the subsequent G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Goliath in the G2 Hardwicke Stakes.

Isle Of Jura spent 15 months on the sidelines following that landmark success, before returning last month with a runner-up finish in the Listed Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket. Scott had been looking forward to returning to Bahrain with his stable star this winter, but those plans have now had to be shelved.

“Sadly, Isle Of Jura won't race again,” said the Newmarket trainer. “He picked up a niggle and it's unfortunate. Having spoken to Shaikh Nasser [of owners Victorious Forever], we just don't want to go through the process again.

“It's happened in the last few days and it's nothing serious but just enough to say it's time to stop. He retires with a future ahead of him and he will go down the whole retraining of retired racehorses route.

“It's heartbreaking. I know there are bigger things in life, but it is very sad because he was my favourite horse and a favourite for all of us at the yard. Now, we have to try to find another one like him.”

Scott will forever be indebted to Isle Of Jura, who retires as the winner of eight of his 14 starts and over $600,000 in prize-money.

He added, “He has done more for us than we could have asked. He won the Triple Crown in Bahrain which really cemented my relationship with Shaikh Nasser which has led to everything that is happening for me now.

“Then, the day he gave me when winning the Hardwicke I will never forget. I was stood on the lawn with my dad watching the race and Shaikh Nasser was there. It was a special day.

“It's sad, but these things happen and we look forward to seeing him enjoying a full retirement now.”

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