Brilliant unbeaten three-year-old Bow Echo has been forced into retirement earlier than planned. Trainer George Boughey reported that a setback means time will be called early on his racing career. Regular rider Billy Loughnane has paid tribute to the 2000 Guineas hero, who won all six of his races.
Today’s racing news round-up revolves around the Bow Echo headline on Wednesday.
Bow Echo retired due to setback
Flat racing’s star of the season Bow Echo has been retired due to a setback sustained in training. The shock news was revealed on Tuesday evening on trainer George Boughey’s X account. Bow Echo has been the story of 2026, maintaining an unbeaten record in a feisty rivalry with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Gstaad. He was many people’s idea of the best 2000 Guineas winner since Frankel when scorching up the Rowley Mile in May. The Night Of Thunder colt goes out unbeaten after further victories in the St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes. (Guardian)
Bow Echo’s jockey Billy Loughnane was quick to pay tribute to the “most unbelievable racehorse”. Loughnane rode him on all six starts, with his 2000 Guineas victory also a Classic breakthrough for the 20-year-old rider. In his statement, Loughnane said: “To ride a horse like him at this stage of my career…is something incredibly special,” and that “it has been a privilege to ride him and he’ll always mean a huge amount to me.” (Racing Post)
Constitution Hill may remain on the all-weather
It seems a long time ago now, but Constitution Hill’s all-weather breakthrough provided an early spark for the flat season. The former Champion Hurdler has been back in training this summer, but the dry weather has curtailed Nicky Henderson’s plans. A first turf run on the flat at Windsor in the August Stakes had been mooted. However, connections may now wait for the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton. The race was famously won by Enable in 2018 and 2019. (Sporting Life)
Al Riffa ruled out of Melbourne Cup in blow for visitors
Joseph O’Brien’s leading Melbourne Cup hope Al Riffa will miss the November spectacle. The six-year-old is a former Group 1 winner, placing at that level earlier this season too at Longchamp. He was in the top four in the betting for a race his trainer has landed twice with Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020). Al Riffa himself was seventh in the race last season. Connections are hopeful he will still return to training. (Racing.com)
Il Est Francais moves to Dan Skelton
Former superstar chaser Il Est Francais has been moved to Dan Skelton’s yard. In a bid to try and revive his career, the eight-year-old will be handled by the champion trainer during the 2026/27 jumps season. Il Est Francais made a name for himself with a brilliant success in the 2023 Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. He nearly repeated the trick a year later in the King George, only being overhauled late on by Banbridge. He was pulled up on all three starts last season though, so a revival is needed. (Racing Post)