Clive Cox pays tribute to “spectacular and brilliant” Harry Angel as star sprinter’s retirement confirmed
The four-year-old bowed out with an impressive second in the Champions Sprint at Ascot on Saturday
TRAINER Clive Cox hailed Harry Angel a superstar as the speedball's retirement was confirmed.
The livewire sprinter endured a number of breathtaking highs, including a July Cup and Sprint Cup, but his pre-race antics always kept Cox and team on their toes.
Despite a rollercoaster career, with his infamous stall problems and apparent 'Ascot hoodoo' rearing up a long the way, the son of Dark Angel struck twice at the top level.
He won the Group 2 Mill Reef on only his second outing and broke the track record in the Sandy Lane on his second start as a three-year-old.
Proud trainer Cox told Sun Racing: "I think his brilliance, excitement and performance at the racetrack far outweighs the few hiccups that we had.
"He was a spectacular horse to be involved with and it was an extremely exciting chapter in mine and my whole teams’ lives. We’re very proud to have been a part of such a special horse.
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"He’s a course record holder at Haydock and although he didn’t quite put the Ascot hoodoo to bed on Saturday he signed off with a top class performance and we’re all extremely blessed to have shared so many memories with such an exciting individual."
After winning the illustrious Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, he was narrowly defeated by Blue Point at Ascot and then shot further into the limelight with a breathtaking win in the Sandy Lane at Haydock.
It was here that racing powerhouse Godolphin came calling and purchased him ahead of a Commonwealth Cup bid that ended with a creditable second to Caravaggio at Royal Ascot.
Cox added: "Haydock seemed to bring the best out of him. Both the Sandy Lane, where he broke the track record on very fast ground, and then the Sprint Cup last year where it was the complete opposite were truly amazing performances.
"It showed what an able and brilliant performer he was really. He was just top class all the way through.
"We were prepared for this to happen, this decision was inevitable. It would have been a fairytale to have signed off with a win on Champions Day but he did an impeccably good job after being very hindered with what happened at Royal Ascot this year.
"He was a spectacular horse to have anything to do with, there are many, many fond memories and successes to savour forever and a day.
"I’m very much looking forward to his next chapter and seeing his progeny as well. I’m sure if they’re blessed with the same talents he has the excitement will continue."
The talented four-year-old picked up over £870,000 in prize money and will stand at Darley with Jungle Cat who was also retired.
As brilliant as he was, if he had been better behaved before the race, not many would have got passed him during it.