THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES VOW

Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare has been retired following a long and illustrious career.

The decision to bring the curtain down on Vow And Declare’s racing career has been made today by his owners and trainer Danny O’Brien following what was his 50th and final race in last Saturday’s Pakenham Cup.

Managing Owner Geoff Corrigan said although it was a sad day, it was a day for celebration and reflection on the career of nine-year-old.

“He has taken us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that we will be forever grateful for, but the highlight for me will be the fact that he is retiring 100% sound and will have a fabulous life post racing,” Corrigan said. 

Part-owner and breeder Paul Lanskey said he still gets emotional when he thinks back to everything the horse has achieved.

“He has been such a terrific horse for such a long period, it really is humbling to have been part of his journey,” Lanskey said.  

Trainer Danny O’Brien said he will be forever indebted to the Australian-bred chestnut.

“Winning the Melbourne Cup is what we all aspire to and it is a moment that I will cherish forever,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien said Vow And Declare’s win in the race that stops the nation showed the dream of winning the Cup with an Australian horse was still attainable.

“Every year there are less and less in the Cup that have been bred here, which is why Cups like his, and this year’s as well, underline what is so great about the race and our industry.”   

“I am proud of the horse and the job my team has done with Vow. To have him performing at the highest level as three-year-old all the way through to winning in track record time this past winter in Queensland is a testament to their dedication and commitment.”

Racing fans will get the opportunity to farewell Vow And Declare at Geelong Racecourse, one of his home tracks, during the club’s standalone Saturday meeting on January 4.  More details on this opportunity will be released by the club closer to the event.

Vow And Declare
50 Starts: 6 wins, 8 seconds, 4 thirds. Prizemoney: $7,701,170

Feature Performances
1st - Group 1 Melbourne Cup 2019, Flemington
1st - Group 2 Zipping Classic 2022, Caulfield
1st - Group 3 Tatts Cup 2019 and 2024, Eagle Farm
1st - Listed Connoisseur Stakes 2018, Flemington
2nd – Group 1 Caulfield Cup, 2019, Caulfield
2nd – Group 1 Queensland Derby, 2019, Eagle Farm
2nd – Group 1 Caulfield Stakes, 2023, Caulfield
2nd – Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup, 2023 Moonee Valley
2nd – Group 2 Peter Young Stakes, 2024 Caulfield
3rd – Group 1 Australian Cup, 2020, Flemington