Multiple Group One winner retired

“IT WAS a tough decision, but the right one”

That’s how prominent owner Pam Hockham explained the news her star pacer Shadow Sax has been retired.

After discussing Shadow Sax’s prospects with trainer Matthew Craven, Hockham came to the conclusion the injury-plagued gelding “has done enough”.

Hockham’s decision was “made easier” after Shadow Sax was unplaced as a $3.70 favourite at Kilmore last weekend.

“He’s eight now and only had a dozen starts in the last two-and-a-half years,” Hockham said.

“He has overcome so many injuries and setbacks and now it’s time for him to relax and enjoy retirement.

“The decision to retire him was made easier by his run on Saturday night…he’s done enough.”

Among the best of his crop, the son of Shadow Sax was originally trained by Peter Tonkin before being transferred the astute horseman’s son Clayton and his partner Emma Stewart.

As a two-year-old Shadow Sax won five of his 11 starts, with his victories including the Vicbred Super Series and Tatlow Finals.

He was also third in the Breeders’ Crown Final.

Limited to five starts at three, Shadow Sax registered four wins and a second, with the Group Three Sires’ Classic among his triumphs.

Sidelined for the next 15 months, Shadow Sax returned in style, winning 12 of his next 16 starts, with three placings also to his credit.

Shadow Sax’s breakout campaign saw him secure the South Australia Cup, Four and Five-Year-Old Championship, Stawell, Geelong, Cranbourne and Horsham Cups as well as the Melton Plate.

He also finished second in the Kilmore Cup and third in the Ballarat Cup.

Despite his stellar season, Shadow Sax was surprisingly overlooked as Victorian Horse of the Year.

“He did such an amazing job that season,” Hockham said. “He started the next season off well too before injury got him again.

“He’s never been the same after that and has spent more time in the paddock than anything else.

“Matthew has done a good job to keep nursing him back to the races, but his racing days are behind him.

“We gave one of our old horses Candymaker to a girl who rides him and she’ll also be getting Shadow Sax.

“He’s a lovely natured horse and deserves to be going to someone like her who will treat him so well.”