Wonderful Tonight retired after sustaining fetlock injury

Wonderful Tonight has been retired after suffering a condylar fracture in a fetlock on Friday morning.

Trainer David Menuisier intended to run his stable star in the Prix Foy at ParisLongchamp on Sunday – should the ground have been suitable.

However, following confirmation of the injury by vets, the decision has been taken to retire the dual Group One winner.

“She did her final piece of work this morning and was due to go tomorrow morning first thing to France,” said Menuisier.

“She cooled down fine and it wasn’t until two and a half hours later that she couldn’t put her foot on the ground. The vets took a X-ray and she has a little condylar fracture in her fetlock, so it is game over.”

Wonderful Tonight won the Prix de Royallieu at ParisLongchamp and British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot last autumn and she claimed the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot on her return in June.

Menuisier then sent her to Goodwood where she was a stylish winner of the Lillie Langtry Stakes before finishing fourth in last month’s Yorkshire Oaks on what transpired to be her final start.

“It just shows how fragile they are. She was in great form and we were just waiting to see if they got any rain at Longchamp before we made the final decision – fate decided for us really,” said Menuisier.

“I’m just thankful we had her for the time we did. I’m taking her to the hospital this afternoon and I’m just relieved we can save her.

“She’ll be a lovely broodmare and that’s all we can think of really – that and the good times that she gave us.

“Words fail me, they really do.”