Hauraki retires after a career of distinction

Godolphin’s G1 Epsom Handicap winner Hauraki has been retired, bringing to an end a career that was a tribute to both himself, his sire Reset and the team that prepared him for three seasons.

Hauraki, won five times and was placed in 11 more of his 25 starts, more than paying his way with racetrack earnings that topped $2.5m.

As well as consistency and courage, Hauraki’s career was marked by versatility, having finished second over the 2400m of the 2014 G1 ATC Derby behind Mongolian Khan and then having his crowning moment over the 1600m of the Epsom two years later.

A six-year-old at the time of his retirement, he ran in 14 G1 races winning one and being placed in six more.

“Horses like Hauraki are hard to find, and when they come along they are appreciated,” said Godolphin racing manager in Australia Jason Walsh.

“To be placed in a Derby and to still be capable of winning a G1 at a mile two seasons later is a measure of the sort of horse he was.

“He was a wonderful asset to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s Australian stable and a credit to his sire Reset.

“As well as that, he was a favourite of everyone in the organisation. He was genuine, honest and talented racehorse who will be missed by us all.”

Hauraki maintained his form right to the end, finishing fifth in this year’s G1 Doncaster Handicap.

Perhaps his best preparation was in the Spring of 2016 when his Epsom win was accompanied by victory in the G2 Tramway Stakes, a second to Winx in the G1 George Main Stakes and another second in the G1 Emirates Stakes.