'They should name a race after him' – Wolverhampton stalwart Berlusca is retired

For the last eight years Berlusca has been a frequent feature on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, but owner Peter Ball has decided to call time on the ten-year-old's admirably consistent career.

From 107 career starts, Berlusca raced at Dunstall Park 54 times, winning eight times. Throw in two wins at Haydock and victories at Chester and Musselburgh, and Berlusca retires as the winningmost progeny of Holy Roman Emperor with 12 successes.

Ball purchased Berlusca for 9,500gns in 2012, and it proved a shrewd investment.

Ball said: "I bought him as a three-year-old, and he won his first race for me ten days later with Kieren Fallon on him."

Berlusca went on to be a fine servant for Ball, who added: "I've had a great time with him, but all good things must come to an end, they should name a race after him at Wolverhampton!

Berlusca in numbers

Age 10

Runs 107

Wins 12

Starts at Wolverhampton 54

Total prize-money £79,315

"He gave us some great days out, the race he won at Haydock in September 2014 meant we could go to Champions Day at Ascot as a guest of Qipco as it was a promotion they were running."

Based in the Wigan area, Ball is hoping to find a retirement home nearby for Berlusca so he is able to go and visit him.

"He deserves a good retirement and I'm looking to find somewhere close to me as I didn't get to see too much of him when he was racing," Ball said.

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