Multiple stakes winner Passing Shot has been retired.

 

The Stephen McKee-trained seven-year-old has had ongoing joint issues and as a result the decision was made to end his raceday career.

 

“It is a very heavy heart that we are making the decision to retire Passing Shot,” McKee said. 

 

“He’s been having ongoing wear and tear issues which in the past we have been able to successfully manage. 

 

“While he has been a little jointy this preparation his form has been superb and when he is well, he is quite a sight flying along in front. In himself he is feeling very well and jumping around like a young thing so it hasn’t been easy.

 

“He’s an absolute character and a favourite with my staff.”

 

Passing Shot won 11 of his 52 career stars, including the Gr.3 Mr Tiz Trophy (1200m), Listed NZB Finance Sprint (1200m) and Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m).

 

The son of Swiss Ace was raced by Go Racing Sydications and was purchased out of Westbury Stud’s 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale draft for $50,000 by syndicate manager Albert Bosma.

 

 

Otago stud farm, Grassyards Farm, is doubling its stallion roster this coming breeding season, and studmaster Jason Coutts has an innovative carrot to dangle in front of prospective breeders.

 

Coutts has secured the services of Howard Be Thy Name, a Group One-winning son of the late champion sire Redoute's Choice and Group Two-winning Faltaat mare Bellini Rose.

 

He is offering $30,000 and a free service to the breeders who produce the first two-year-old winner of Howard Be Thy Name, and that offer will be repeated for the breeders of the first three-year-old winner by the stallion.

 

The six-year-old entire had a successful career on the track, winning five of his 23 career starts, including the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m), Gr.3 Chairman’s Stakes (2020m), and Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m).

 

He was also runner-up in the Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) and was placed in the Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes (2200m).

 

Howard Be Thy Name will stand alongside Prince Of Brooklyn at Grassyards Farm for a fee of $5000+GST.