Star Irish mare Magical has been retired and will join the broodmare roster at Coolmore Stud.
A seven-time Group One winner for master trainer Aidan O’Brien, Magical won 12 of her 28 starts and just shy of PS5 million in stakes.
The decision to call time on her career was made after she finished third in the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin earlier this month.
Owners Coolmore were going to retire Magical last breeding season but made a late decision to continue her racing career and they were rewarded with three elite-level victories.
The highlight was her second Irish Champion Stakes win in September when she edged out Ghaiyyath and Armory, who was subsequently placed in the Cox Plate.
Magical was a sparring partner to Enable, finishing runner-up to the champion galloper four times, and O’Brien told the UK’s Racing Post she was a dream horse to train.
“She has been a wonderful mare for us. She raced at the top level all the way from two to the time she retired,” O’Brien said.
“She was unbelievably tough, versatile, consistent and classy.”
Coolmore is yet to announce which stallion will cover Magical in her first breeding season.