Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ star mare Loving Gaby has been retired for broodmare duties.
The dual Group One winner was on target for a run in The Everest, but after a slight set-back in training put that in doubt, her Dubai-based owners moved forward the decision to call time on her racing career.
The news comes just a day after the daughter of I Am Invincible was nominated for the ‘Victorian Trained Horse Of The Year’ following her victories in both the Manikato and William Reid Stakes last season. Overall, she additionally placed a further five times at the highest level and landed a pair of Group Three successes leading to her to earn around $2million in prize money. Remarkably in a 13 race career, all at Group level, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trainee only finished outside the places on three occasions.
Details of her breeding plans will be announced in the near future.
Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO Amer Abdulaziz said:
“It’s sad that we have seen the last of Loving Gaby on the track, but we are excited about the next stage of her career. She is the type of mare that could be the cornerstone of our broodmare band for years to come.
“She has always been a bit of a sentimental favourite for everyone at Phoenix, not just because she was our first Group One winner in Australia but also down to the fact she is named after a dearly departed friend of one of our colleagues. We also enjoyed the tales and videos of her mischievous behaviour around the yard.
“I would like to thank Ciaron, David and all the team for the fantastic job they did in guiding her through a truly exceptional career and to all the jockey’s who gave her such good rides. We have a lot of special memories to reflect on.”