Destiny’s Kiss closing in on retirement

Joe Pride will give veteran Destiny’s Kiss one more preparation after pulling the pin on the summer.

Veteran stayer Destiny’s Kiss is nearing the end of his career but trainer Joe Pride will let him go out on his own terms.

Pride admits he almost pulled the pin after the 10-year-old was buffeted on the home turn in Tuesday’s New Year’s Day Cup at Randwick.

Naval Warfare was a runaway winner of the Listed race in which Destiny’s Kiss finished third and Rachel King was suspended for her part in causing interference on the runner-up Earth Angel .

“He’s OK today but he had a tough time in the race,” Pride said.

“I did think about retiring him then and there but I don’t want him to go out on that run.

“We’ll give him a little let-up and bring him back for one more go in the winter when the tracks are softer.

“That’s his time.”

The trainer has a soft spot for Destiny’s Kiss who is raced by his breeder Nick Moraitis.

“He is a beautiful horse,” Pride said.

“And he is a horse who does so well in the stable. He loves his training and the stable routine and everyone loves having him here.

“So we’ll take a look at him after a few weeks.

“If he doesn’t look like he will be competitive, he will be retired immediately.”

Destiny’s Kiss has won 18 of 93 starts from 1500 to 3200 metres and has earned almost $1.5 million.