Stoute has announced his retirement at the end of the year

Legendary trainer Sir Michael Stoute, whose career spans six decades, has announced his retirement at the end of the year. Stoute, 78, has trained 16 British Classic winners and 13 in Ireland, including six Epsom Derby (G1) champions. Among his numerous champions is the iconic Shergar, along with notable horses like 1983 Irish Derby (G1) winner Shareef Dancer, England's 1989 Horse of the Year Zilzal, Group 1 winner Harbinger, and Workforce, who won both the 2010 Epsom Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

Stoute's success extended to North America, where he captured eight Breeders' Cup victories, including four wins in the Turf (G1T) with Conduit (twice), Kalanisi, and Pilsudski. He also triumphed in the Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) three times with Islington, Dank, and Queen’s Trust. His latest Breeders' Cup win came in 2018 when Expert Eye claimed victory in the Mile (G1T).

A ten-time champion trainer in England, Stoute had only four seasons between 1985 and 2022 without a Group 1 victory. Reflecting on his career, Stoute expressed gratitude in a statement: "I have decided to retire from training at the end of this season. I would like to thank all my owners and staff for the support they have given me over the years. It has been a great and enjoyable journey."

Stoute saddled his first winner in 1972, and in 1976, he secured his first Classic win with Fair Salinia in the Epsom Oaks, a race he won again with Unite in 1987. His most recent British Classic success was the 2022 Epsom Derby with Desert Crown.

He made a significant impact at Royal Ascot, with 82 winners, second only to Aidan O’Brien, and has been the leading trainer at the prestigious event six times. Stoute was also an early adopter of international racing, securing victories in landmark races such as the Japan Cup (G1), Dubai World Cup (G1), Hong Kong Vase (G1), Canadian International Stakes (G1T), and Beverly D. Stakes (G1T).

Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud, which Stoute has trained for over 40 years, described him as "an iconic trainer who was always one step ahead in every way."

Stoute's first Group 1 victory came with Music Maestro in the 1977 Flying Childers Stakes (G1), and his latest came in 2022 with Bay Bridge in the Champion Stakes at Ascot. This season, before racing on September 9, Stoute had 19 winners from 127 runners, with Passenger delivering a notable win in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes in May.

Knighted in 1998 for his services to tourism in his native Barbados, Stoute was inducted into the British Champions Series Hall of Fame last year.