Glen Shiel Champions Sprint Ascot

Group 1 legend Glen retired

11th August 2022

Group 1 winning sprinter Glen Shiel has been retired following a training set back.

The 2020 Champions Sprint winner provided a modern-day fairy tale for his horse racing syndicate after being bought from the Goffs UK Spring Sale for just £45,000 in 2019.

Good enough to place on Champions Day in the Balmoral Handicap in 2019, Glen Shiel would take his form to an entirely new level following trainer Archie Watson’s decision to drop him in trip the following year.

In seven runs sprinting that year, Glen Shiel was never out of the first two placings, finishing runner-up in the Haydock Sprint Cup before going on to win at Ascot, where he provided Archie Watson, Hollie Doyle and Hambleton with maiden Group 1 wins.

The son of Pivotal provided special memories for his owners the following year too, finishing runner-up in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot and running the bravest of races when second in the Champions Sprint later in the year.

Glen Shiel is one of just eight European sprinters to have finished first or second in four Group 1s in the past decade, which puts into some perspective the great heights he scaled.

Commenting on his retirement trainer Archie Watson said “Glen Shiel has meant the world to everyone at Saxon Gate. He gave us our first Group 1 win at Ascot in 2020 and has been so tough and consistent in sprints at the highest level. He is the kindest horse and can now look forward to the long and happy retirement he deserves”.

Our Director Of Racing Simon Turner reflected “Glen Shiel is an unbelievably special horse. We'd always believed it was possible to make an impact in big races with horses intelligently bought and Glen proved that in no uncertain terms."

"In many ways Glen helped pave the way for our other big in-training successes like Outbox and Tempus and Glen will always hold a special place in our hearts."

"He was the fiercest of competitors on the track and provided his owners with some very special moments. We’re incredibly proud of what he achieved and equally delighted he’ll now be able to enjoy his retirement.”

A small selection of images from Glen's incredible story appear in the gallery. He made dreams come true and is a true legend in every respect.

 

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