Capitalist retired to Newgate Farm

A fetlock injury has prompted the early retirement of Golden Slipper winner Capitalist.

A fetlock injury has prompted the early retirement of Golden Slipper winner Capitalist.

Last season’s champion two-year-old, Capitalist had just two starts at three and was withdrawn from Saturday’s Darley Classic when he was found to have a fetlock chip after trackwork.

“Capitalist was just the perfect two-year-old, blessed with a huge amount of precocity, ability and an excellent temperament,” co-trainer Peter Snowden said.

“I am certain that without this injury he would have gone very close in the Darley Classic as his trackwork at Flemington was exceptional.”

Because the injury meant he would miss the autumn, connections decided to retire him to prepare him for the 2017 breeding season at Newgate Farm.

“Australia is all about two-year-old racing, and to have a champion two-year-old standing at Newgate is what everyone strives for,” Newgate’s managing director Henry Field said in a statement.

Capitalist won four of his seven starts including the Breeders’ Plate and the Magic Millions Classic before his dominant Slipper victory.