Sir Michael Stoute has announced that he will retire from training at the end of the 2024 Flat season.
At 78, Stoute's illustrious career, which began in 1972, has made him one of the most successful Flat trainers of both the 20th and 21st centuries. His legacy includes a deep association with Shergar, the 1981 Derby winner whose tragic disappearance became one of racing’s most enduring mysteries. Shergar's career was highlighted by a record Derby win and subsequent victories in the Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Though Shergar was abducted in 1983, presumed to be the work of the IRA, his impact on the sport remains profound.
Stoute has been champion trainer 10 times and has won six Derby titles among 16 British Classics, as well as 13 in Ireland. His international success includes prestigious races such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup, Dubai World Cup, Hong Kong Vase, and Breeders’ Cup.
In a statement to the PA news agency, Stoute said: "I have decided to retire from training at the end of this season. I would like to thank all my owners and staff for their support over the years. It has been a great and enjoyable journey."
The 1980s marked a particularly high point for Stoute, beginning with Shergar's Derby triumph in 1981. This success was followed by more Derby wins, including Shahrastani's victory in 1986, and later successes with Kris Kin in 2003 and North Light in 2004, the latter being particularly memorable for jockey Kieren Fallon. Fallon praised Stoute’s ability to develop horses over their careers and highlighted North Light as one of the standout horses he ever rode.
Another highlight of Stoute’s career was Workforce's record-breaking Derby win in 2010, and Desert Crown’s victory in the 2022 Derby demonstrated Stoute's enduring ability to prepare top horses for major races. Stoute and jockey Ryan Moore also gained prominence for their win with Estimate in the 2013 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, a race that was particularly significant as it was won in the colours of the late Queen.
In addition to his training achievements, Stoute was knighted in 1998 for his contributions to tourism in Barbados, where he was born before moving to Britain in 1964 to become an assistant to Pat Rohan. Stoute’s career could have taken a different path; he was one of 800 applicants for a BBC racing correspondent position in 1965 and made it to the final six, but ultimately lost out to Julian Wilson.
Stoute’s decision to retire marks the end of a remarkable era in racing, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional achievements and contributions to the sport.