After a massive 59 career starts, 2009 Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready (8g More Than Ready – Nancy Eleanore by Blevic) has been retired from racing with over $3.7 million in prize money.

Trained on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland by Jason McLachlan, the son of Global Sire More Than Ready, is best known for winning the world’s richest race for two-year-olds during his juvenile season six years ago.

After four previous runs to kick start his career, including a win in the lucrative Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast and a second to Real Saga in the Todman Stakes (Gr.2, 1200m), the gallant gelding secured his place in history beating home Headway and Manhattan Rain in the AAMI Golden Slipper (Gr.1, 1200m) by 2.3 lengths with Brad Rawiller on board.

The consistent gelding has proven his soundness and longevity, racing well into his 8yo season. He was a Group 1 winning 2yo, a Group 1 placed 3yo, 3 times Stakes placed as a 4yo, 2 times Stakes placed as a 5yo and so on.

While often unlucky, missing a win by a length or less, Phelan Ready was still well and truly earning his keep racing competitively in plenty of top class races. He was stakes placed on 12 occasions.

Aside from his 2yo Group 1 victory, some of his career highlights included a second to Danleigh by 0.8 len in the Manikato Stakes (Gr.1, 1200m) in 2009, finishing runner-up to Varenna Miss in the 2011 QTC Cup (Gr.2, 1300m) in Brisbane and a credible fourth to superstar sprinter Hay List in the 2012 Newmarket Handicap (Gr.1, 1200m) down the Flemington straight.

The official record of the tough campaigner stands at 59 starts for four wins, six seconds and seven thirds for $3,772,350 in prize money.

McLachlan, who trained Phelan Ready in partnership with his late father Bruce McLachlan for two years before his passing, confirmed the galloper’s retirement this week. Retiring sound, McLachlan said that Phelan Ready could head to England to serve as a dressage horse after being let down at his uncle’s property.

“He will be nine (on Saturday). I will be very sad to see him go he has been fantastic for us,” he told AAP.

“I know they like to bag him but I reckon all those who give it to him would love to have a horse which won nearly four million dollars.

“He will probably end up in England for (part-owner) Bill Harris as a dressage horse.”

While Phelan Ready has run his last race, there are plenty of exciting More Than Ready gallopers to follow this coming spring season so keep an eye on the Vinery news page for results.