TOP SPRINTER RETIRED 08 Sep 2022 10:12
Minzaal has been retired after it emerged he fractured his left knee when bounding clear to capture a first group 1 success in the Betfair Sprint Cup (G1) at Haydock Sept. 3 but despite disappointment, trainer Owen Burrows is glad he was able to finish his racing career in “a blaze of glory.”
The 4-year-old had placed at the elite level on three occasions before recording a career-best effort to strike by 3 1/4 lengths last Saturday.
The Shadwell-owned Minzaal will now head to stud, where Burrows believes he should have a bright second career. By Mehmas , he won the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (G2) at 2 and was placed at the top-level at 2 and 3. He won four of his 11 starts, finishing outside the top three on only two occasions, and amassed more than £470,000 (US$580,785) in prize-money.
“I’d say he’d be popular at stud,” Burrows said. “He’s got a lot going for him and his temperament is excellent. If he can pass that on through then he’ll be a very popular stallion.”