Bjorn Nielsen's star stayer Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has become the third horse chosen by a public vote to be inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame.
This year, the public were invited to choose from a shortlist of five Long Distance legends shortlisted by the Hall of Fame's eight-strong independent judging panel and consisting of Ardross (GB), Le Moss (GB), Persian Punch (GB) and Yeats (Ire). More than 3,000 people voted online via the Hall of Fame website as well as through a special interactive screen installed within the Hall of Fame exhibition at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket.
Connections of Stradivarius will receive a specially commissioned medal crafted by Asprey to mark the induction, which will be presented ahead of Tuesday's Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, which Stradivarius won a record-breaking four times.
“It's an honour for Stradivarius to receive this award and to join the illustrious group of inductees that are already installed in the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall Of Fame,” Nielsen said.
“I'd like to thank The Hall of Fame, all his fans, as well as everyone who voted for him. Donna Vowles at Kiltinan Stud who foaled and weaned him, John Gosden who managed his career so brilliantly, and the staff at Clarehaven who were all instrumental in his success.
“I must also congratulate the other nominees and their connections. Ardross, Le Moss, Persian Punch and Yeats were all tremendous, legendary stayers and it was an honour for Stradivarius to be included in this list.”
Stradivarius was retired from racing at the age of eight to the National Stud in Newmarket, where he has recently completed his first season, covering more than 100 mares. He won a record 18 European group races made the frame in another ten. In addition to three successive Gold Cup victories at Royal Ascot and four Goodwood Cups, he won three Yorkshire Cups, three Lonsdale Cups, two Doncaster Cups, a QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, a Sagaro Stakes and a Queen's Vase. He also twice won the Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million bonus.
Hall of Fame judge and Racing Post Director Alan Byrne said, “Few horses have the talent to win group races. To compete in, never mind win, the highest-quality staying contests season after season, between the ages of three and eight, is an extraordinary achievement. Those hoping to see his deeds matched may need to live a long time.”
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