2020 Arc Runner-Up In Swoop Retired Due to Injury

In Swoop , the Francis Graffard-trained group 1 winner and runner-up in last year's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), has been retired because of an injury.

Graffard suspects the Gestut Schlenderhan-owned 4-year-old picked up the injury in his last race when fourth behind Broome  in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) under Olivier Peslier.

He was sent off the 7-5 favorite that day having won the Grand Prix de Chantilly (G2) on his previous start.

"In Swoop has suffered a career-threatening injury, probably sustained in his last race, and so the decision has been made to retire him," Graffard told the Racing Post Aug. 9.

"He's been a super horse for us and really put all his efforts into the afternoons on track. He would never show much in the mornings but had a real aptitude when it came time to go racing."

Asked for a career highlight Graffard opted for the IDEE 151st Deutsches Derby (G1) at Hamburg in July last year.

He said: "The German Derby was a highlight. Obviously it was wonderful for his owners and because I wasn't there at the time I probably didn't realize how big a deal it was for me.

"But looking back it was a tremendous race to win. And you have to remember that was only his third start, he was still a big baby at the time."

In Swoop raced nine times, winning four, and amassed more than £1.2 million in win and place prize money. He was beaten a neck by Sottsass  when a 10-1 shot for last year's Arc and the only time he finished outside the first three finishers was on his final start.

The son of Adlerflug could yet win more races as a sire, however. Graffard said: "No decision has been made yet as to his future at stud. He's a beautiful looking horse with a lot of quality and a fantastic pedigree, while of course his sire is no longer with us."