Multiple Grade 1-Placed Neolithic Retired

Neolithic, the third-place finisher in the world's two richest races this season, has been retired, co-owner Jack Wolf of Starlight Racing confirmed Dec. 9.

The 4-year-old son of Harlan's Holiday had been pointing towards a return engagement in the Jan. 27 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1)—where he earned show honors behind champion Arrogate  this year—but his connections opted to stop on him due to some minor physical issues. Following his efforts in the inaugural running of the Pegasus, Neolithic went on to the $10 million Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) in March, where he finished behind Arrogate and eventual Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Gun Runner . 

"We just decided he's done enough. We've started trying to find a stallion farm for him and we've had a couple of inquiries," said Wolf, whose Starlight Racing owns Neolithic in partnership with Qatar Racing. "Hopefully within the next week to 10 days, we'll get that done. 

"I don't think he stands in Kentucky, but I think he'll be a standout in one of the regional markets if someone wants to give him a shot. He's got a lot of positives from his race record, his physical, being by Harlan's Holiday. I don't think we'll have any trouble placing him."

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Neolithic won three of 12 career starts and secured three grade 1 placings. He was third in the Sept. 2 Woodward Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) at Saratoga Race Course and finished second in the Hagyard Fayette Stakes (G2)  at Keeneland Oct. 28 in his final start.

Neolithic retires with $2,278,028 in earnings and was worse than third just twice in his career. The dark bay colt is out of the Victory Gallop mare Swingit and was bred by Edwin Anthony. He was purchased by Starlight for $460,000 from Denali Stud's consignment to the 2014 Keeneland September yearling sale.

"This horse owes us nothing. He's shown his heart the whole time in all the races he's run," Wolf said.