Every horse racing season welcomes its fans with fresh equine faces. However, a few horses also bid adieu to the scene after a stellar career. In a few days, many major races will take place, and there will be many horses to cheer for the fans. However, a certain Saudi Cup winner abruptly left the scene when their trainer decided to withdraw them from the G1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

Indeed, we’re talking about Senor Buscador, who had a huge following. The six-year-old now basks in the retirement home and will be ready to produce top-tier progenies. However, another Saudi Cup winner, worth approximately $12 million, has also bid farewell to the industry.

Gracing the scene since 2020

This particular horse was unlike any other. Emblem Road is the six-year-old son of Quality Road, a horse that once dominated the horse racing scene. However, now is the time for his son to bid farewell to the industry, following a prolific four-year history on racecourses across the globe. Indeed, the American thoroughbred made its mark in foreign races and was a favorite of many.

Taking to X, Dubai Racing Club announced the equine’s retirement. The announcement from the Meydan Racecourse was undoubtedly emotional, as Emblem Road had competed in numerous races across the Middle East. The first time the thoroughbred put his foot down was at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, and in the allowance he placed third. However, in the next Maiden race, he secured first place at the same circuit in 2020. In 2021, he ran in the G3 Taif Cup and placed first. However, 2022 was a year to remember for the horse and under trainer Moutaib Almulawah; he was about to become a star.

Indeed, coming to the King Faisal Cup, he placed first and then went directly to the G1 Saudi Cup. At the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Emblem Road kept his cool and performed to his fullest, grabbing the first-place position. Since then, he has also participated in various other races but hasn’t been able to secure a major victory in them. And prior to this retirement announcement, his final race was at the Meydan Racecourse, featuring in the 2023 G1 Dubai World Cup. The final stint of his career wasn’t something, but still, he managed to place third. Given the lack of races scheduled at Emblem Road in the current season, his retirement makes sense. However, Señor Buscador’s farewell took many fans aback when it was announced.

A glorious goodbye to Senor Buscador

Senor Buscador was scheduled to race in the G1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational. However, trainer Todd Fincher had something else planned. After placing second in the same race last year, many fans eagerly anticipated the six-year-old’s return to Gulfstream Park. However, when Fincher was present during the final checks in the early morning of January 19, he decided that it was enough time for the 2024 Saudi Cup winner.

So what was the reaction that Fincher received from the community? “First, I would like to say thank you for putting his welfare first; second, I will miss seeing him run. I absolutely adore Senor Buscador; please keep us updated on him, and good luck in your stud career, Senor Buscador.” Indeed, there were many positive comments from the fans, as they really liked how Fincher prioritized his horse’s welfare over the $3 million race. Senor Buscador gave a lot in his years of competing, and now fans have to wait for him to find a suitable mate in the stables and make a top-tier prodigy.