Initially trained by Wanganui horseman Kevin Myers, Flying Sardine came into trainer Kelvin Tyler’s care as an unraced two-year-old and went on to win more than $370,000.

“She’s been an absolute darling,” Tyler told stuff.co.nz.

“Kevin offered her to me pretty much as a giveaway. He thought she might win a couple of races down here, but she’s proved way better than that.”

After 90 starts, including a stint in Victoria last season, Tyler, along with his daughter and training partner Aimee, decided to pull stumps on her racing career last week.

“She’s got a few wear and tear niggles,” Tyler said. “She’s been a good horse. We want her to retire nice and sound, we’re going to miss her.”

The daughter of Flying Spur will head to the broodmare paddock and be served in the spring.