Injury ends multiple Group One winner’s career

RECURRING leg problems have ended top pacer Wolf Stride’s career.

After receiving the devastating news of Wolf Stride’s condition from trainer Jack Trainor, owner Emilio Rosati made the difficult decision to retire the gelding.

Rosati co-owns his large team with his wife, Mary.

Being readied for another Miracle Mile tilt, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven was a handy third at Menangle 10 days ago when first-up from an eight-week break.

Wolf Stride finished third in the 2021 Miracle Mile after winning a Group One qualifier the previous week.

“He has had troubles in his hind leg in the past and unfortunately it has flared up again,” Rosati said.

“He’s only just turned seven and has had less than 50 starts, but he has done enough.

“Now it’s time for him to enjoy retirement and be treated to a nice and happy life.”

A triple Group One winner, Wolf Stride registered 19 victories and 11 placings from 46 starts for earnings of $558,650.

In a double blow for the Rosatis, their talented, but injury-prone, pacer Focus Stride has been forced into retirement.

Ironically, Focus Stride also finished third in his first run from a spell in Ballarat a fortnight ago.

Successful at seven of his last eight starts as a three-year-old for Victorian horseman David Miles, Focus Stride was sidelined when injury struck in April 2020.

After being prematurely retired Focus Stride was given “another try” and transferred to New South Wales horseman Darren Binksin.

Winning four of his first six starts after a 26-month absence, Focus Stride performed admirably against open class opposition before being transferred back to Miles, who gave the son of Art Major three starts.

“We got the news about one on the Friday and the other on the Saturday,” Rosati said. “Like Wolf, Focus will be found a good home where he can enjoy living out his years.”