Mystic Riot, the winner of the inaugural Million Dollar Chase, has been retired.
Owner Sandra Camden-Bermingham confirmed on Saturday that the brilliant sprinter has run her last race, and will now “relax into retirement.”
Mystic Riot contested the semi-finals of the TAB Million Dollar Chase on Friday night at Wentworth Park but was badly checked soon after the jump, and her title defence disappeared with the contact.
Mystic Riot had been plagued with a wrist injury throughout the series, and while she bravely battled and qualified for the semi-finals, she was not at the level she was a year ago when she blew her rivals away in the Grand Final, and became the one of just four million dollar winners in the sport.
“Yes we’re going to let her relax into retirement,” Sandra said. “We’re thrilled, and just so, so proud of her. She has got a well-earned rest, and we’ll just let her slide into the couch.
“We were super proud of her when she made the (2019 Million Dollar Chase semi) finals and we’re just so grateful to Peter (Lagogiane) and (his wife) JODIE for everything they have done with her. They have worked so hard with her and have been fantastic.”
Mystic Riot retires having raced 36 times for 12 wins, and six placings, and prizemoney of $1,056,865.
She won a fifth grade event at Wentworth Park in late September last year at just her 15th start, and connections decided to throw her into the last round of heats for the Million Dollar Chase.
She won that race in a best of the night 29.59s, then the following week jumped in front again and raced into the Grand Final with a 29.75s victory.
On Grand Final night she flew out from box seven, crossed and led, and held off Jamella Jet to create history as the inaugural winner of the world’s richest greyhound race.
“That night was just unbelievable, incredibly joyous and we’re still celebrating,” Sandra said. “It was so exciting, and it still feels unbelievable.
“It was beautiful showing up to Wentworth Park last night and seeing all those banners … it’s just been wonderful.”
Mystic Riot is the star of the new GRNSW advertising campaign, Poetry In Motion, and banners with her image adorned Wentworth Park on Friday night.
While she will eventually look at breeding with Mystic Riot, that, and potential suitors, are not yet being considered.
“All in the fullness of time. We will certainly go in that direction, but we have no set plans as yet,” Sandra said. “We’re just going to give her a break now, and pause, and also enjoy the rest of the (Million Dollar Chase) carnival, and kudos to all the people who have got through (to the Grand Final). I’m sure they will enjoy the wonderful experience just as we all did last year.”
