Golden Slipper winner Fireburn retired, sold to Japan

Last year’s Golden Slipper winner Fireburn has a date with an as-yet-unnamed Japanese stallion after it was announced on Thursday that the daughter of Rebel Dane had been retired.

“She wasn’t on the market,” Louis Mihalyka of Laurel Oak Bloodstock said.

“We were approached by an agent who I know well who asked if she was for sale and as managing owner of the horse am obliged to pass on any offers for her.

“They went away and did their due diligence and within 24 hours came back with an offer which ended up being accepted by the ownership.”

Fireburn retires after 20 starts, six of which produced victories with another two minor placings.

She produced one of the great Golden Slipper wins when overcoming severe interference in the middle stages before recording a decisive win.

Fireburn followed that up with victory in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ (1400m) before a second placing to her arch rival as a two-year-old, She’s Extreme, in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).

Fireburn’s only win as a three-year-old came in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben in May, while she earlier finished third in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).

Her final start was the Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick on October 28, in which she finished second-last.

“It was an out of left field retirement for her,” Mihalyka added.

“Her last preparation didn’t work especially that she only had one trial as we were trying to keep options open in Sydney and Melbourne where usually she would have had two trials.

“Outside barriers didn’t help her and riding back didn’t work last start.

“She was in the paddock having a jolly old time and then this offer came along.”

Commercial confidentiality agreements prevent the buyer and purchase price being disclosed.