Gatsby goes for Knickerbocker glory as stud career beckons

French Derby and Irish Champion Stakes hero The Grey Gatsby will be retired at the end of this season, owner Frank Gillespie has revealed, but appears to be on target for another start in America next week.

The Dermot Weld-trained six-year-old beat only two rivals in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes last Saturday at Belmont Park but will remain in the US for a Grade 2 target at the same venue on Monday October 9.

Gillespie said: "This will be his last season whatever happens but I'm not sure if this potential run in America will be his swansong - I'll have to wait and see what Dermot Weld says.

"He's a six-year-old now, going on seven next year. It's early days in terms of where he'll go to stud but we'll decide on that when the time comes."

The one-time 127-rated grey looks set to drop back in trip for a $200,000 prize in New York after competing over ten and 12 furlongs on his last three starts.

The Grey Gatsby beats Australia in the Irish Champion StakesCredit: Alain Barr

Weld said: "The Grey Gatsby is still in America and may run in the Knickerbocker Stakes, a Grade 2 over nine furlongs next week at Belmont.

"He was just a little bit unlucky in the Joe Hirsch the other day. Rain arrived just before the race, which made the ground get a little loose on top and he may just have swallowed some, but he's perfectly sound post-race."

Gillespie added of his star middle-distance performer's highlights: "The Irish Champion Stakes and French Derby were very special days in particular. He's certainly won some very nice races."

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