Advertisement

Atlantic Jewel retired by Coolmore after suffering injury before Cox Plate

Champion race mare Atlantic Jewel has been retired following the tendon injury that ruled her out of the Cox Plate.

Principal owner international breeding group Coolmore confirmed on Sky Sports radio that the mare will now be retired and transferred to Ireland to begin a breeding career.

Atlantic Jewel’s short career produced 10 wins and a second from 11 starts earning more than $1.5 million in prize money. She won at Group One level four times and was short-priced favourite for the Cox Plate on Saturday before suffering the second tendon injury of her career on Tuesday.

Coolmore Australia general manager Michael Kirwin said the group did not want to take any further risks with the valuable mare.

“We’ve decided this is the time to retire her so this is what we’re doing,” Kirwan told Sky Sports radio.

“It is a very difficult decision but it’s not a hard one. You have to make it, that’s it.”

Trainer Mark Kavanagh said he was devastated by Atlantic Jewel’s injury so close to the Cox Plate and was anticipating Coolmore’s announcement of her retirement.

Kavanagh said Atlantic Jewel is the best horse he has trained.

The mare will now head to Ireland next month and will be served by champion stallion Galileo in February.

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.