Kawi retired due to wearandtear issues
WELLINGTON: Taranaki trainer Allan Sharrock announced the retirement of star galloper Kawi yesterday.
Wearandtear issues led to time being called on the career of the seventime group 1 winner.
‘‘We’ve had a ride and ahalf with him and, while it’s a shame, I’m also relieved,’’ Sharrock said.
‘‘I know he’s not quite right and he’s had issues with his joints and his fetlocks are showing a bit of wear and tear. I’d hate to see anything happen to him so that’s it.’’
‘‘I’m not taking any risks; he’s been such a great servant. He’s the best I’ve had.’’
‘‘He’s been massive and people don’t realise how hard it is to win seven group 1s.’’
Kawi was successful in 15 of his 39 starts, but it was a close second that stood out for Sharrock.
‘‘He was great in those big races at Hawke’s Bay, but I think his biggest effort was in the Telegraph,’’ Sharrock said.
‘‘He carried topweight and had he not been held up he might still have won. There was a bias towards the inside that day and he was down the middle.
‘‘It’s a shame we couldn’t equal Mufhasa’s record, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.’’
Mufhasa tops the list of New Zealand group 1 wins on eight. Kawi and Seachange have seven. — NZ Racing Desk.