Robert Havlin has paid tribute to Sweet William following the seven-year-old’s retirement. The Sea The Stars gelding bowed out with a third in the Ascot Gold Cup last month.
There is something poetic about Robert Havlin’s relationship with Sweet William, whose careers have mutually gone hand in hand. Havlin has had over 3500 rides for John Gosden, though very much in the shadow of Frankie Dettori throughout his tenure.
He’s been an integral cog in the Clarehaven wheel, the perfect yardstick. Sweet William is Havlin in equine form, an admirable servant, never out of the first four in his 24 race-career. But like his jockey – on board for each of them – perhaps not receiving the recognition having played second fiddle to those at the highest level.
Havlin told the Press Association, via Racing TV: “He’s going to leave a big hole in my career, as he’s been a big part of it. He has been my favourite horse of all time to ride. Because he was a character and by the end he had some fan base.
“People used to call him names. But the only time he was out of the first three was last year’s Gold Cup. That was only because before the race I’d convinced myself that he was going to win. I rode him too handy, and that probably cost me third.”
Sweet William hit the frame in each of his three Gold Cup attempts. His form figures at the top level read 32423, the closest when a length behind Trawlerman on Champions Day.
“He owes us nothing and he’ll be happy as Larry out in a field” – Robert Havlin
Havlin elaborated on Sweet Willam’s popularity, as he said: “When I cantered him at Ascot to the start the other week I could hear people shouting ‘Go on William’. So he had a big fan base and the important thing is he’s going out in one piece.
“We always said if there was any slight issue that would be it. Apart from when he had those screws in his leg as a young horse he never took a lame step. He owes us nothing and he’ll be happy as Larry out in a field.”
Though often the bridesmaid, Sweet William has always run creditably in defeat. Havlin said: “He’s bumped into all the best stayers down the years, Trawlerman, Trueshan, Kyprios, some of the best there’s been. I’d been looking forward to the Doncaster Cup as I always felt he was better at that time of year. But we’ve got to look after him and he’ll enjoy his retirement.”
Sweet William has amassed £1,212,637 in prize money, and will forever be remembered for his quirky, yet consistent nature.