court masterpiece running around in claimers what a sad end to this once great horse(muss 4.15) retire him now?

jmp you've hit a nerve here.... I couldn't agree more he has definitely earned his days in the sun in a lush paddock not running around in claimers as you so rightly say.

I was lucky enough to be at Ed Dunlops ex yard the once beautiful Gainsborough Lodge Stables in Hamilton Road, Newmarket. I say once beautiful as it has now been purchased by Darley who are in the process of purchasing ailing yards in the area and turning them into holding quarters for their strings of 2yo's some of whom will never see a racecourse...

Ed Dunlop was holding an open day in 2006 prior to Ouija Board's great success in the Prince of Wales Stakes beating Electrocutionist, and Court Masterpiece was also being trained by him at that time.

He was as his peak and looked a million dollars...I spent a lot of time making a fuss of him and followed him that year when he won the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and then ran a creditable 3rd to the ill fated 'gorgeous' George Washington in the QE11 Stakes at Ascot..Court Masterpiece never knew how to run a bad race.

Looking on Racing Post I noticed that he did go off to Stud in 2008 but like poor George Washington it couldn't have worked out for him...and now he has to end his days like this...what is the answer as sadly he is'nt the only top racehorse to go down this path and Racehorse Retirement charities are stretched to accommodate these great servants of the turf....I hope something can be done as Court Masterpiece deserves better than this...Jac x

Edit: 14.54

Sir Alan...here here...

He's still got Mark of Esteem at his Darley Stud Newmarket in retirement and I heard that he personally went over to Japan where Lammtarra was going to be sold off because he wasn't doing well at Stud and brought him back for an undisclosed amount of money, so why not dear old Court Masterpiece...I think I may go on the Darley website and make a fuss about this.

Jac..xx

Edit: 15.11...Ok I've sent them an email, will let you know if I get any feedback from it..but won't be holding my breath..xx

Edit: Monday

Today I emailed Ed Dunlop who used to train him, see if I get any response from him...it's absolutely disgraceful the poor boy couldn't even win a Claimer yesterday his heart is just not in it anymore....I'm on a mission now SAVE COURT MASTERPIECE...not sure if ex racehorses make good hacks...the last thing I want to see is him running over hurdles this time next year it would be the end for sure...will report back if any news..Jac x

Jac, when it comes to horses who were once owned by the Maktoum family these horses shouldn't find themselves in a situation where racehorse retirement charities should have to intervene. I remember a few years back that a horse you'll probably remember called Daarkom who won the Ebor for Sheikh Ahmed in 1987 was found in a field in a very bad way after his owner had given him to the stable lad who looked after him. The stable lad couldn't afford to keep hm.

Considering the amount of money Sheikh Mohammed spends at the sales every year it would cost him nothing to claim Court Masterpiece out of today's claimer and give the horse an honourable retirement.

It's a scandal - and shouldn't ever happen. Which is why I so admire Frankie for taking his No.7 winner home. But sadly they can't take 'em all, even if there are some notable horses who should never be reduced to this.

Totally agree with Sir Alan!!!!!