Cox plate star retired

Japanese racehorse Prognosis, the 2023 Cox Plate runner-up, has been officially retired from racing following a career-ending injury.

The seven-year-old, trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida, sustained inflammation in a sesamoid ligament in his right front leg during training for his return to competition.

The Shadai Thoroughbred Club confirmed the news: “After finishing second in the Hong Kong G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April, he had been ridden in preparation for his comeback, but swelling was observed in his right front leg and examination revealed inflammation in the sesamoid ligament. After considering the need for a long period of rest and the risk of recurrence, the decision was made to retire him.”

Plans are now underway to transition Prognosis into a breeding stallion role.

A son of the legendary Deep Impact, Prognosis was a strong contender on the international stage. He was the $3.40 favourite in last year’s Cox Plate but finished second behind the explosive Via Sistina, trailing by eight lengths. His final race came in April at Hong Kong’s Sha Tin Racecourse, where he again claimed second, this time behind fellow Japanese runner Tastiera in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

Trainer Nakauchida reflected on his career: “Although he wasn't able to win a big race, he had a long and successful career, including on the world stage. He has always performed well no matter where he was. I believe he will pass on his strengths to his offspring as a breeding stallion.”