'It's wonderful that he's going to have a splendid retirement' - time called on career of Wathnan's Gold Cup hero Courage Mon Ami

Former Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami has been retired by Wathnan Racing after missing several seasons of action with a persistent injury.

The issue, reported by his owners to relate to his tibia, has meant the gelded son of Frankel has been off the track since he finished second to Coltrane in the 2023 Lonsdale Cup at York.

Courage Mon Ami, who won his first three races for owner-breeder Anthony Oppenheimer, was signed up by the Emir of Qatar's Wathnan prior to Royal Ascot and fast-tracked into the championship staying event from handicap company.

After his victory under Frankie Dettori, he raced only two more times. He will take up residence at Wathnan Stud just outside Doha, a training centre with a wide range of equestrian facilities.

John Gosden said: "What a day Courage Mon Ami gave us all at Royal Ascot. It was a cool ride by Frankie, but Courage Mon Ami was so determined and he simply wasn't going to be beaten.

"For Wathnan to land the Group 1 with just their third runner and be presented with the Gold Cup by the King – what a story! It was a dream start, and surely helped ignite a real passion for racing and for Royal Ascot.

"Courage Mon Ami's an enormous horse and, though he was so willing in all his exercise, and we got close a couple of times, he just isn't going to be able to return to racing. He's a real yard favourite and it's wonderful that he's going to have a splendid retirement where the Emir can visit him. He richly deserves it."

Courage Mon Ami is from a rich Hascombe & Valiant Stud family and is one of six siblings to have earned black type including Lion's Pride and Danielle, both Listed winners for the Gosden team this year.

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