Bell hails stalled Sariska

Michael Bell has likened Sariska’s enforced retirement to having “a Ferrari but with no keys”.

Time was immediately called on the racing career of the dual Oaks heroine after she refused to leave the stalls for a second consecutive time in the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp on Sunday.

Her previous show of truculence had arrived in last month’s Yorkshire Oaks, for which she was the 85-40 favourite.

Bell said: “She has an issue with a kissing spine but she has had it for a long time – though perhaps that might have something to do with it (her reluctance to leave the starting gates).

“She moves beautifully and was in great form so it is very disappointing, but obviously we’ve got some great memories.

“We knew that we could potentially beat that lot (in the Prix Vermeille) but if she doesn’t come out of the stalls, what can you do? Either way, it’s been a great journey.

“It’s rather like having a Ferrari but with no keys.”

The enigmatic Pivotal filly won five races, including the Epsom and Curragh Classics, from 11 outings, and accrued nearly £730,000 (€875,000) in prize-money.