Sir Michael Stoute, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season, has trained some of the most remarkable Flat horses in racing history. Here are a few of his standout performers:
Conduit
In 2008, Conduit completed Stoute’s Classic collection with a decisive victory in the St Leger, overcoming previous near-misses in the race. Under Frankie Dettori, Conduit won by three lengths, securing Stoute’s full set of British Classics. The success didn’t end there; Conduit went on to win back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Turf races and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes the following year.
Estimate
Estimate’s 2013 Gold Cup victory was especially significant for Stoute as the mare was owned by the late Queen. It was a cherished moment at Royal Ascot. Stoute’s calm demeanour belied any pressure he might have felt. Having won a preparatory race at Ascot in May, Estimate was sent off as the 7-2 favourite and, despite a tough challenge from Simenon, prevailed by a neck with Ryan Moore aboard.
Ezzoud
Though Ezzoud was known for his high head carriage and unpredictable nature, Stoute’s patience paid off when the horse proved his Group One credentials at four. Ezzoud clinched the 1993 Juddmonte International and later added the Eclipse Stakes to his tally. Despite an early exit in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes due to rider interference, he redeemed himself with a second Juddmonte International win.
Harbinger
Harbinger, a standout in 2010, exemplified Stoute’s patience. After a mixed three-year-old season, Harbinger thrived at four, winning all four starts, including a spectacular 11-length victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Unfortunately, a leg injury while preparing for the York meeting led to his retirement, though he later sired several Group One winners in Japan.
Kribensis
Stoute’s talent extended beyond Flat racing to National Hunt, with Kribensis achieving notable success over hurdles. Winning the Triumph Hurdle in 1988 and the Champion Hurdle in 1990, Kribensis also captured the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdles. After retiring from racing, he remained at Freemason Lodge as Stoute’s hack until his death in 2007.
Pilsudski
Pilsudski was a late bloomer, coming into his own at four. His Group One victories included the 1996 Deutschland Preis and the Breeders’ Cup Turf, followed by triumphs in the Coral-Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes, and the Japan Cup in 1997, earning him the title of champion older horse of the year.
Russian Rhythm
Despite just ten career starts, Russian Rhythm achieved remarkable success under Stoute, winning seven times. Her notable victories included the 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, and Nassau Stakes in 2003, as well as the Lockinge Stakes at four, where she faced and defeated several Classic winners.
Shergar
Shergar’s Derby victory in 1981 is legendary, with a record-breaking margin of 10 lengths. Starting the season as a 33-1 outsider, he became the 10-11 favourite after impressive wins in the Sandown Classic Trial and the Chester Vase. His Derby win, along with subsequent victories in the Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, solidified his status, though he was disappointing in the St Leger.
Singspiel
Singspiel improved significantly from a fine three-year-old season to excelling at four and five. His achievements include the Canadian International, the Japan Cup, and the Dubai World Cup, as well as victories in the Coronation Cup and Juddmonte International in Britain.
Sonic Lady
Among Stoute’s finest fillies, Sonic Lady had a stellar three-year-old campaign. Her wins included the Nell Gwyn Stakes, Irish 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, Falmouth Stakes, Sussex Stakes, and Prix du Moulin. Despite being challenging to train, Stoute brought out the best in her.
Workforce
Workforce, Stoute’s fifth Derby winner, also secured the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, making him a standout performer in Europe’s premier middle-distance races. His impressive Derby win by seven lengths was followed by a hard-fought victory in the Arc, though his form declined at four.
Zilzal
Zilzal had a remarkable 1989 season, winning five of his six starts and being named leading three-year-old of the year. His victories included the Jersey Stakes, Criterion Stakes, Sussex Stakes, and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. His only blemish was a sixth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Ajdal
Ajdal’s 1987 season was exceptional. After winning the Dewhurst Stakes as a two-year-old, he finished fifth in the 2000 Guineas and third in the Irish equivalent. He then excelled in the July Cup, the William Hill Sprint Championship, and the Vernons Sprint Cup, showcasing his versatility and speed.