Golden Yeats primed for farewell
It is unusual in this day and age for an eight-year-old entire to still be performing at the highest level, but such is Yeats’ constitution he continues to astound.
Those lucky enough to be at Ascot in June for his fourth Gold Cup success will never forget the day and most tend not to remember that he was favourite for the Derby in 2004 after a 10-length win in the Ballysax Stakes.
Unfortunately injury denied him that opportunity, but it enabled O’Brien to give him time he might not otherwise have had. He has won 15 of his 25 starts, with seven of those coming at Group One level.
In recent years Johnny Murtagh has been the man lucky enough to partner him and he will be sad to see him go.
“I’m looking forward to the weekend, it’s a big day and very special,” said Murtagh.
“It’s Yeats’ last day, he’s won four Gold Cups and he won in France last year (Prix Royal-Oak) so hopefully he can go out on a high.
“Some people had questioned his form at Longchamp, but I don’t think the track is a problem to him at all. It’s a lovely track and Arc weekend always has lots of runners and it is very competitive.”
