Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the winner of four Group 1 races for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, has been retired from racing after suffering a stress fracture in training.
“Postponed has been a magnificent racehorse to have in the yard and it has been both a pleasure and privilege to oversee the second phase of his career,” said trainer Roger Varian. “I am very grateful to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid for allowing me that opportunity and to Postponed himself for proving such a willing and talented ally. It's a shame for everyone that we won't see him on a racecourse again, and it's especially sad for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who showed such sportsmanship in keeping him in training. Postponed had all the attributes of the complete champion racehorse–the speed, the stamina, and a telling kick. He travelled like a machine.”
The 6-year-old entire Postponed was trained initially by Luca Cumani, who guided him to a victory in the G2 Great Voltigeur S. at three, followed by scores in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. and G2 Qatar Prix Foy at four. Postponed was sensationally removed from Cumani's care, along with his owner's entire string, shortly after the Foy win and taken out of consideration for that year's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Resuming in Meydan the following March for Varian, Postponed won the G2 Dubai City of Gold, G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, G1 Coronation Cup and G1 Juddmonte International on the spin. He could manage only fifth as the favourite in last year's Arc, and his last racetrack appearance was a third in this year's Dubai Sheema Classic. Postponed retires as the highest-rated horse by his prolific sire.
Varian explained, “A stress fracture like this wouldn't usually be a career-ending injury, except that it's May and he's six, and we don't want to take unnecessary risks with him. He's done us all proud, and we owe him a great debt of gratitude.”
Stud plans for Postponed will be decided at a later date.
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