The breeding barn beckons for Searchin’ Roc’s with the tough mare set to run her final race in Saturday’s Group 3 Hyperion Stakes (1600m) at Pinjarra .
Trainer Sharon Taylor said Searchin’ Roc’s had done enough and it was time to draw the curtain and pull up stumps on a racing journey that started in 2021.
In an outstanding career, Searchin’ Roc’s, won nine races, registered two at Group 3 and four at Listed level and pocketed $1.2 million in prizemoney.
Across 33 starts, the daughter of Awesome Rock became a crowd favourite, her toughness, determination and resilient racing pattern earning high acclaim.
Taylor, who oversees Searchin' Roc’s for her parents, Robert and Heather Grant, said she hopes the six-year-old has one big race win left in her before she bows out.
“It’s definitely not a decision we have made lightly,” Taylor said to Racing WA.
“Lots of tears have been shed.
“She’s come back into season a couple of times and it’s better for her.
“She’s really showing she hasn’t got her mind on the job.
“In saying that, her work has been just top notch.
“I had a chat to mum and dad and said I think it’s fairer for her.
“We were sort of looking at the Railway if she raced well again.
“Even though she’s been racing well, I don’t think she’s at that level to win one now.
“It will be great if she could go out a winner on Saturday.
“After that we will look at selling her as a broodmare.
“We’ve had an amazing ride with our girl, and she’s exceeded all our expectations."
Searchin’ Roc’s commenced her racing journey with David Harrison, winning the G3 Champion Filles Stakes (1600m), Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) and Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m).
Following a transfer to Jim Taylor’s Bullsbrook base, she collected further features in the Group 3 Peters (1500m), Listed Farnley Stakes (1400m) and Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m).
“I think there was probably a couple that she was unlucky with as well,” Taylor said.
“She would have won more, but that’s just how it goes.
“She’s definitely one of the toughest and most genuine horses, for sure.”
Searchin’ Roc’s has drawn barrier 14 for her final outing in the Hyperion Stakes.
Jessica Valas partners up again after riding her into ninth in the Belmont Sprint.
“Some of her best runs have been from the outside as well,” Taylor said.
“She’s shown before that she can do it.
“She’ll be out of trouble and will have clear running.”
Searchin’ Roc’s is one of the rank outsiders in Hyperion Stakes betting.
She’s currently $61 with Tabtouch.
Magnificent Andy and Western Empire are fighting for favouritism at $2.90 and $3 respectively.
Julio Santarelli