Isle Of Jura heading for happy retirement

George Scott’s flagbearer and stable favourite Isle Of Jura has been retired after suffering another setback.

The five-year-old made relentless progress after being recruited by Victorious Racing in March 2023, winning eight times to progress from a mark of 71 to a career-high of 119 and securing over £480,000 in prize-money to well exceed his £150,000 purchase price.

Isle Of Jura enjoyed a stellar 2024 campaign, securing the Bahrain triple crown before defeating subsequent King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Goliath in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The New Approach gelding was on the sidelines after the Royal meeting until finishing second at Newmarket last month and following a further issue, connections have now called time on his racing career.

Scott said: “Sadly Isle Of Jura won’t race again. He picked up a niggle and it’s unfortunate and having spoken to Shaikh Nasser (of Victorious), we just don’t want to go through the process again.

“It’s happened in the last few days and it’s nothing serious but just enough to say it’s time to stop.

“He retires with a future ahead of him and he will go down the whole retraining of retired racehorses route.

“It’s heartbreaking and I know there are bigger things in life, but it is very sad because he was my favourite horse and a favourite for all of us at the yard and now we have to try to find another one like him.”

Scott paid tribute to Isle Of Jura’s contribution to his career, adding: “He has done more for us than we could have asked.

“He won the triple crown in Bahrain which really cemented by relationship with Shaikh Nasser which has led to everything that is happening for me now.

“And then the day he gave me when winning the Hardwicke I will never forget. I was stood on the lawn with my dad watching the race, Shaikh Nasser was there and it was a special day.

“It’s sad, but these things happen and we look forward to seeing him enjoying a full retirement now.”