The “Giant Labrador” moniker fits Arapaho perfectly as he bows out of racing.
With two Group 1 successes to his name, the gelding Arapaho has been retired by Bjorn Baker, who attributed the move to “wear and tear” ending the horse’s track tenure.
Baker shared the update Thursday, praising Arapaho as “an outstanding ambassador for our stable” and a “tough and genuine” athlete.
“The decision to retire him has been made with his best interests firmly in mind,” Baker commented via social media platform X.
“He is feeling a little wear and tear in his joints, and at nine years old, it’s the right call to step him away from racing rather than take any risk.”
From French origins, Arapaho joined Australian racing in 2021 and solidified his role in the stable over successive years.
His 2023 Tancred Stakes (2400m) win preceded another Group 1 at eight years old, dominating last year’s Sydney Cup (3200m).
Last seen midfield in the 2025 Melbourne Cup, Arapaho retires after 50 starts, 10 triumphs, 10 minor placings, and more than $4.3 million in prizemoney.
The horse was cherished at the stable much like a “giant Labrador”.
Jockey Rachel King, whose husband Luke Hilton manages racing for Baker, will care for Arapaho alongside her partner post-racing.
View racing betting markets for upcoming classics in the Sydney Cup mould.