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Achernar Star Bows Out Of Racing

3 minute read

The race career of tough and consistent gelding Achernar Star has come to a premature end.

The six-year-old son of Gingerbread Man ran his final race in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield when fifth to Mr Quickie in October.

It was Achernar Star's seventh run in Melbourne for trainer Lindsey Smith after 24 starts under Simon Miller's guidance in Perth.

Managing part-owner Peter Walsh from Amelia Park said the decision to retire Achernar Star was an easy one.

"He had joint issues and we could have given him a few months off too see how he goes, but it was the right time to retire him," Walsh told The Races WA.

"He has been a very good horse for us and he can now come back home and we will look after him.

"He ran a lot of seconds, but he was ultra-consistent and always put in.

"He was a tough horse who ran a lot of good races and was the first to win over a million dollars for me."

After making a winning debut in 2016, Achernar Star won six races and was placed on 12 occasions from his 31 starts.

After a string of minor placings in feature races his first big win came in the 2019 Bunbury Stakes (1400m), when ridden by champion jockey Damien Oliver, he held out the fast-finishing Tellem We're Comin.

Two weeks later he went back to back in Listed events in the Grandstand Cup over 1500m.

"The Bunbury Stakes was probably the win that stands out the most," Walsh said.

"The race was sponsored by Amelia Park and was in front of family and friends with Damien riding.

"It was an emotional win after running all those seconds before."

Achernar Star retires with $904,521 in prize money and a further $112,500 in bonuses.

Eight of his 12 placings were in feature races: the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m), Karrakatta Plate (1200m), Fairetha Stakes (1400m), WA Guineas (1600m), Kingston Town Classic (1800m), Northam Cup (1600m), Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) and Pinjarra Classic (1300m).


Racing and Sports

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