Star Kiwi galloper Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor-Centafit, by Centaine) has been retired. Trainer Murray Baker confirmed the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year had run his last race after he finished a disappointing 8th behind Lucia Valentina in last Saturday's Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick. "He's just not quite putting in," Baker told racenet. "I think he's got very one-paced this time in." He added: "He's thinking about the mares." The 4YO suffered a bout of the potentially fatal gastrointestinal condition colic after winning the Caulfield Cup in October which forced his withdrawal from the Melbourne Cup. However, Baker said the ordeal did not affect his autumn preparation which yielded three lacklustre efforts in the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes, Gr1 The BMW and Gr1 Queen Elizabeth.
Raced by the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Group, Mongolian Khan finishes his career with a record of eight wins and a placing from 17 starts, earning more than $4 million in prize-money.
He became the first horse since Bonecrusher in 1986 to win the New Zealand Derby-Australian Derby double, and he added the Caulfield Cup in October. He also won the Gr. 2 Waikato Guineas, Gr. 2 Avondale Guineas and Listed 3YO Salver.
Mongolian Khan retires with 8 wins from 17 starts over $4 million in prize money. Stud plans are expected to be announced soon. It is rumoured that Cambridge Stud is favourite to stand him.
