9yo Redwood gelding Romancer had his final race start on Sunday at Sandown. While he continues to enjoy his training and racing, the decision was made soon after the race that, given his competitiveness was starting to drop off, it was time for him to put his hooves up in retirement.
The Romancer story has many chapters, and commenced when OTI purchased him in in partnership with trainer Donna Logan at the Karaka Yearling Sales in 2015. Debuting as a spring three-year-old in 2016, he broke his maiden at only his second start and became a Listed winner at his third. He would record a further two wins and two Group placings by the end of his autumn 4yo season, justifying a future in Australia.
Coming to Australia in 2018, Romancer raced with little luck for Darren Weir, with a Donald Cup win his best performance. Moved into the care of Grahame Begg early in 2019, he found some of his most consistent career form. He won a further 4 races, including his most recent win, the Listed Straight Six at Flemington in May 2021 as a $100-1 shot.
He retires with a career record of 57 starts; 9 wins and 15 placings, earning almost $700,000 in prizemoney. Amazingly, he recorded a win in each calendar year between 2016 and 2021. He has contested numerous Listed and Group races, including the Group 1 Cantala Stakes at Flemington in October 2021. He has been an absolute pleasure to be connected with.
For his deserved retirement, he will now head back to New Zealand. There he will live out his days with one of his co-owners, who has been by his side throughout his whole career. Gifted a share in the horse as her 21st birthday present, it will be an emotional reunion for Kate and Romancer, and we look forward to regular updates on his post-racing life.