Joseph O'Brien hails Rekindling after his Melbourne Cup hero is retired

Joseph O'Brien has hailed his 2017 Melbourne Cup hero Rekindling as "tough as nails" after it was announced the horse who launched his training career into another stratosphere has been retired.

The Lloyd Williams-owned stayer led home an Irish-trained 1-2-3 in the Emirates-backed prize as a three-year-old, becoming the youngest horse to land the prize since Skipton in 1941 and the first Irish-trained winner since Media Puzzle in 2002.

He was only seen once more on the track when trailing the field in the TAB Australian Cup in March for trainer Liam Howley.

O'Brien said on Thursday: "He stayed in Australia after he won the Melbourne Cup but he was a fantastic servant in his time with us.

"He was as tough as nails, raced often, was very consistent, handled different types of ground, and was just a wonderful horse."

Joseph O'Brien became the second Irish trainer to win the Melbourne Cup in 2017Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Reflecting on Rekindling's Melbourne Cup success under Corey Brown, O'Brien added: "It's such a special race and it was special to even be taking part. Winning it was just unbelievable, one of the greatest days in racing.

"Aside from the biggest day of all in Australia, Rekindling won Group races for us in Ireland too and performed very well."

The son of High Chaparral, who began his career with David Wachman, won the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes, the Group 2 Curragh Cup and finished fourth in a St Leger as a three-year-old.

It is unclear where Rekindling will stand at stud, although there is a suggestion he will return to Europe.

Rekindling in numbers

Cost as a foal: 60,000gns

Career strike-rate: 4-11

Prize-money earned: £2,409,320

Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards