WELLINGTON - The grand career of veteran galloper All In Fun is one race from retirement.
The 11-year-old gelding finished second-last in the $50,000 Merial Metric Mile Handicap (1600m) at Awapuni on Saturday and part-owner Peter McDonald said it was time to bring down the curtain.
McDonald said All In Fun would have one further race at New Plymouth on September 23 and no matter what the result his racing career would be ended.
"That will definitely be it," said McDonald.
McDonald, son of the horse's senior owner and regular trainer Tom McDonald, said retirement had been considered before the previous week's $40,000 Wanganui Stakes.
"We were going to pull the plug last week but he ran such a good race we decided to press on," he said.
All In Fun is a mere $1413 short of earning $1 million in stakes but the welfare of the horse came first, McDonald said.
"The money is not important to us, whether he makes the million or not.
"He's probably as well and sound as he has ever been at any part of his career."
It was more important the horse remained in good health.
All In Fun has raced for each of the past 10 seasons and has racked up 114 starts for a record of 17 wins, 24 seconds, 15 thirds and 10 fourths. His stake earnings are $998,587.
The bay beat only one home at Awapuni and McDonald said it was not a sight he was used to.
"It was horrible seeing him run second last."
- NZPA
Racing: Gallant career ending
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