Rousing send-off for Stradivarius as he makes journey from Gosden yard to stud

There were emotional scenes at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket on Monday afternoon when the Gosden team finally had to bid farewell to their talismanic stayer Stradivarius.

John and Thady Gosden, Rachel Hood, owner Bjorn Nielsen and more than 100 staff members turned out to witness the end of an era at the Bury Road yard and give the chestnut legend a fitting send-off.

Applause and rousing cheers rang out when the son of Sea The Stars was paraded in the main yard for the final time by his lad Bradley Bosley before making the short journey across town to the National Stud to begin his career as a stallion.

The eight-year-old retired in September after amassing 18 Group wins, with seven at Group 1 level including four Goodwood Cups and three Gold Cups at Royal Ascot.

Stradivarius earned nearly £3.5 million in prize-money plus two £1m bonuses he picked up for winning a series of four races in 2018 and 2019.

Nielsen said: "It's been the journey of a lifetime and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to have a horse like Stradivarius. It's not a great day him leaving Clarehaven but it's hard to put into words what a fantastic job John and Thady and all of the Gosden team have done with the horse.

Stradivarius and his groom Bradley BosleyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Although it's a sad day in some ways it's happy in another as he's only moving two miles down the road to the National Stud so people will be able to visit him. Hopefully, he can do as well in his new job as he did in his old one."

John Gosden said: "Stradivarius was a phenomenal racehorse in that he maintained his form at the highest level right through to his eight-year-old season as an entire.

"He's been a pleasure and a joy for all of us here at Clarehaven since he arrived here in 2016. I've lost count of the number of times he was champion stayer and his achievements are unlikely to be surpassed."

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'The music has stopped' - legendary stayer Stradivarius is retired

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