Smolda the special horse
Smolda will always have a special place in the hearts of the Kirkwood family from Singleton in New South Wales.
The nine-time Group I winner was retired from Sunday after an illustrious career which saw him become the second richest earner in New Zealand racing history – behind Monkey King ($3.48m) – with $2.55 million in stake money.
Trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen and Smolda’s owners decided the reigning Inter Dominion champion’s career was over after scans revealed a damaged tendon.
Marcus Kirkwood joined New Zealanders Phil and Glenys Kennard and Neil Pilcher as owners after his son, Tom, 17, lost his battle with cancer in 2009.
The horse, noted for his fighting spirit, became an equine ambassador for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. When driving Smolda, Purdon wore the CCIA logo on his silks and the words ‘Our Mate Tom’ on his sleeve.
Kirkwood said Smolda had helped keep strong memories of Tom. ‘‘He was a good story Smolda, with all different parts,’’ Kirkwood said. ‘‘The role as ambassador of the Children’s Cancer Institute, and he was a horse who managed to overcome adversity himself. He was a very gritty horse and he reminded me of The Man From Snowy River’s pony.’’
Purdon said Smolda was likely to live with the Kirkwoods in retirement. Marcus Kirkwood said that was undecided but Smolda ‘‘was sure to have a nice retirement’’. ‘‘It’s just been a great experience. It’s a bit sad that journey’s over, but you can’t complain at all.
‘‘He’s won $2.5 million, so he’s among the top echelon of money winners. He’s been a remarkable horse. As a four and five year old he had a setback with leg and respiratory problems and I suppose it was always up in the air whether he would reach that level, but fortunately he did and he was able to have a great career.
‘‘Mark always said he was able to maintain a high cruising speed, and that was his strength and he was a real warrior-type of horse.’’ Smolda won 32 races from 68 starts and cost only A$55,000 as a yearling.