Less than a month after capping his remarkable comeback from a career-threatening tendon injury with a Group One win, Think It Over has been retired.
Trainer Kerry Parker advised Racing NSW stewards on Thursday that the decision had been made to close the curtain on the eight-year-old’s decorated racing career following veterinary assessments.
The gelding didn’t show his customary fight when he led and was overwhelmed late to finish fourth to Via Sistina in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday, with regular rider Nash Rawiller reporting afterwards that Think It Over didn’t feel “at his best”.
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“He was a bit reluctant to go into the gates today, which is the first sign for me with a good horse that something isn’t 100 per cent,” Rawiller said post-race.
“He was more than comfortable throughout the run. I felt when I really asked him to lengthen under pressure, he didn’t quite do that like he normally does.”
Think It Over was subsequently assessed by vets before Parker and his owners made the call to retire him.
The son of So You Think raced 42 times for 14 wins and 13 minor placings, accruing prizemoney of more than $7.45 million.
He captured three Group 1 races, highlighted by the 2022 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) and this year’s Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) and was renowned as much for his toughness as his brilliance.
That was never more evident than when he fought back from a tendon injury suffered after his Queen Elizabeth Stakes win, returning to triumph in the 7 Stakes (1600m) last spring and again saluting at racing’s highest level this autumn.
Along the way, Think It Over captured several high-profile scalps, including those of Zaaki, Verry Elleegant, Anamoe and Fangirl.
However, it was Parker’s comment following the horse’s most recent big race win that summed up Think It Over best.
“Everyone thinks he’s a giant-killer, I just think he’s a giant.”
More to come …