Retirement for Antino due to serious tendon problem

The Queensland champion Antino has now been retired after experiencing a problem upon pulling up from his Queensland racing return last Saturday.

Marking his first outing in his native state post his dominant four-length track-record win in the previous year's Group 1 Doomben Cup, the seven-year-old gelding battled to a fourth-placed finish – beaten 2-1/2 lengths by $91 chance Kronenbourg – in the Listed 1600m Brisbane Handicap.

On Sunday, the Tony Gollan-trained gelding displayed heat and puffiness in his right fore tendon, later diagnosed as a significantly worse condition.

"Further veterinary examinations this morning confirmed sustained that injury during the race," Gollan said in a statement on social media late on Monday afternoon.

"After consultation with the ownership group, the decision was made to retire Antino from racing.

"It is with tremendous sadness we have had to make this decision, given the thrills and excitement he has provided the racing industry, from fans to our staff and owners.

"Antino will enjoy a well-earned retirement after his rehabilitation from injury."

Redwood's progeny retires boasting 13 wins across 33 appearances, along with seven additional placings and over $3,465,065 in prizemoney.

Standing out was his four-length Doomben Cup conquest last year, recorded in 2:00.88, which was his second elite-level victory for the horse originally secured for NZ$27,000, complemented by his 6-1/2 length 2024 Toorak Handicap (1600m) success.

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