Three-time Group One winner to become a flagbearer of Godolphin’s Lifetime Care program.
Triple Group One winner Avilius (Pivotal) has been retired from racing and will enter Godolphin's Lifetime Care program.
The British-bred son of Pivotal (Polar Falcon) won 11 of his 38 career starts with his prize money earnings totalling almost $3.7 million.
"This was a horse who gave us all he had," said his trainer James Cummings.
"So, it is only right that he should bow out with dignity. He was running well and, as he did from day one, he went into every battle in good health and with great desire. Horses like him never stop trying, so we have to know when to call time.
"He was an exceptionally talented horse. He was versatile and extremely resilient. He will be greatly missed, but he will always have a very good home.
Having begun his career in France in the stable of Andre Fabre, where he won the Prix de Suresnes (Listed, 2000m) he was transferred to Australia and the stable of James Cummings. His Group One victories came in the Tancred Stakes (Gr 1, 2400m), Ranvet Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) and George Main Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) in 2019 and he placed at Group One level on another four occasions.
Avilius is one of five winners out of Alessandria (Sunday Silence) who has also produced the Group Two winner Saint Baudolino (Pivotal) and Listed winning pair Well Of Wisdom (Oasis Dream) and Army Bulletin (Invincible Spirit).
Jason Walsh, Godolphin's Racing and Bloodstock Manager, said Avilius' involvement in their Lifetime Care program illustrates the operation's commitment to promote Thoroughbreds and options for them after a racing career.
"He will now graduate as a flagbearer in the Godolphin Lifetime Care program which fundamentally illustrates our commitment to the highest standard of care throughout their lives," Walsh said.
"One of the key objectives of the flagbearer program is to utilise the profile of a horse like Avilius to help promote the versatility of the Thoroughbred breed in a range of post-racing endeavours.
"A top-class horse of his calibre will continue to command attention and we look forward to exploring the particular equine pursuit that best suits his characteristics and desire."
