Willie and Patrick Mullins after Sharjah won the Matheson Hurdle for a fourth time at Leopardstown in 2021© Photo Healy Racing
Patrick Mullins described Sharjah as ‘the star of my career’ after it was announced yesterday that the six-time Grade 1 winner is to be retired.
The 11-year-old son of Doctor Dino has been a stalwart in champion trainer Willie Mullins’ yard since purchased from France by Rich and Susannah Ricci in 2016 and Mullins’ son Patrick partnered Sharjah to many of his high profile wins including the Galway Hurdle in 2018 as well as five of his six Grade 1 victories over hurdles.
“He was the star of my career. He enabled me to take on and sometimes beat the best on a regular basis,” said the 16-time champion Irish amateur rider at Tipperary yesterday evening.
“He gave me some of the best thrills of my life and he’s always been such a nice horse to deal with.
“It’s brilliant that we have found him a lovely home. He’ll be a spoilt pony for the rest of his life and deserves that.”
Sharjah gained the latest of his 13 career wins in a three-mile chase at Ayr last month which contributed to Willie Mullins winning the UK Trainers Championship.
The Closutton maestro paid his own tribute on X saying: “6-time G1 winner Sharjah been retired. He played a big part in securing the British trainers championship for us by kickstarting our Ayr raid!
“A classy 2-mile hurdler with a serious turn of foot who showed huge versatility & longevity. He is a firm favourite and we will miss him.”
