Futura can be a cash cow on a stud farm

FUTURA, last year’s Equus Horse of the Year, has been retired from racing. That’s the word from trainer Justin Snaith.

“Futura is worth more money off the track than on it, hence the decision taken by the syndicate of the horse to send him to stud, and that’s where he is right now,” said Snaith.

Futura flattered to deceive in his previous two starts last month, prompting the move to end his racing career.

A no-show in both the Queen’s Plate and J&B Met – for varying reasons – seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Futura won both races in 2015 and defended his Champions Cup crown, resulting in the then fouryear-old colt being named Champion Horse of the Country. But there was no joy the second time round in two premier Grade 1 races, which brought the curtain down on the onetime hottest equine property around.

“Why risk it when there’s more value to be had at stud farm?” Snaith said.

“Maybe a possible win- ning cheque of around R400 000 to be had in the Gold Challenge mid-year. It is chicken-feed compared to what the stallion will net when his services are required.

“The horse has won four Grade 1 races and is highly thought of, so the best option has been taken, and there’s no going back on it.”

Pre-stud farm talk doing the rounds among those in the know centred on Futura having lost his appetite to race following his loss of form, a view shared by Snaith.

With the option of fitting the son of Dynasty with blinkers, the Guy Murdochbred horse was in his prime after all. Local horse-racing fundi Charles Faull felt that arming the champion with blinkers may have been the way to go.

“We have a horse not even matured yet, so maybe a little help to get his Agame back may have made the difference,” he said.

“I can roll off the tongue many a good horse that went on to deliver great things when fitted with them. Politician, William Penn, Sledgehammer and Gatecrasher to mention are such examples.”