Happy Retirement Henry

By Jack Davison

Though never the spiritual type, I now have a fair idea of what form I would like to take, if reincarnated. Just the other day an opportunity arose for me to escort one of our mares, to the covering shed at Ashford Stud, better known as Coolmore America, for a mid – afternoon cover, with Henrythenavigator. I pounced on it and let me tell you – life ‘ain’t too bad’ for these once upon a time horseracing heroes.

Being a multiple classic winning racehorse with a pedigree to match is more than enough to justify your plane ticket and six month stay in countries like Australia or America, and sometimes both, just so long as you don’t mind covering 150 plus mares while you’re there. How’s that for a retirement plan? How about the sun on your back as you graze the lush green paddocks of the Hunter Valley and the Bluegrass? How about an air conditioned box, a daily massaging and ultra relaxing grooming session, whilst chowing down on some of the best nuts, barley and oats going? The odd carrot here and there just to sweeten the deal – obviously. Open your eyes pinch yourself and welcome to the life of Henrythenavigator.

In 2007, Henrythenavigator began his racing career with a seven length success in a Gowran Park maiden, and deservedly took up a high rank among the Ballydoyle juveniles. His ability was clear when he took in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, on just his second outing, before soft ground proved to be his demise in the Phoenix Stakes. New Approach then succeeded in steering Henrythenavigator further off – course, in the Futurity stakes, again on soft ground, and with that, the Ballydoyle young gun shuffled down the ante post betting markets, just as quickly as he had risen up it. When the following Spring rolled round, Henry began to bloom. Although, he went off at 11/1 in the Guineas, much the forgotten horse, he and New Approach treated us to a titanic battle where Henrythenavigator defied his odds and his critics to win by a nose, beating the raving ante post favourite, New Approach. The key to all of Henrythenavigator’s success as a three-year-old was the faster going that was elusive in the 2007 season but was on offer throughout much of that 2008 flat season. Henry asserted his dominance over New Approach in the Irish Guineas, where the going was firm. He then managed to notch up four sequential Group 1 victories as a three-year-old, the St. James’s Palace stakes (Ascot) and the Sussex stakes (Goodwood) included.

Since his racing days Henry has been kept busy as he works his way through a 170 strong batch of quality broodmares, at the immaculate facility that is Ashford Stud. No longer is this quality son of the mighty Kingmambo a racy looking, slightly light framed individual. His once, muscular, razor blade like neck is now a thick crest, which is tightly arched and torque as he mounts mare one hundred and fifty three. No signs of fatigue for this lad though. Short and sharp, ultra efficient and strikingly businesslike, Henry delivers the goods. The end result will be a batch of offspring that are sure to light up the sales rings and racetracks for years to come. King Henry- happy retirement champ.

By Jack Davison