St Nicholas Abbey was named after a spectacular, Jacobean mansion in Barbados and his reputation was just as grand leading up to his debut. It was 2009 when he won his debut at the Curragh at odds of 11/10 and won the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at the same course just over a month later. His 2 year old career culminated in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, where he won impressively, cementing his place as Europe's top juvenile.
St Nicholas Abbey running riot in the Racing Post Trophy
As a result of his superb first year of racing, he was made evens favourite for the 2000 Guineas in May, despite not having a prep run that season. Ultimately, he ran disappointingly, finishing 6th, although he was behind class performers such as Makfi, Dick Turpin and the champion miler Canford Cliffs. That was to be his only run of the season.
St Nicholas Abbey (purple and white silks) finishing
a disappointing 6th in the 2000 Guineas.
His first run in his 4 year old season was in a Listed event at the the Curragh. At 4/11, big things were expected but he could only muster a third place finish. It was this event that made people really begin to doubt him, saying he hasn't lived up to the hype that surrounded him and that he wouldn't become a superstar. Many believed that this was the end of him competing at the very top; in actual fact, his journey to the top hadn't even begun.
A success at Chester's May meeting was followed up by victory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, beating reliable mare Midday in the process. This season was concluded by a respectable fifth in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe and the biggest triumph in his career so far, the Breeders Cup Turf. Under an ice-cool Joseph O'Brien (who, incidentally, became the youngest jockey to win a Breeders Cup race) he won stylishly, signifying the beginning of a fruitful globe-trotting stage to his career.
St Nicholas Abbey winning at Churchill Downs
The season after started with a close second to Cirrus des Aigles in the Sheema Classic at Meydan and contained another success in the Coronation Cup along with third place finishes in four races, losing to world beaters such as Danedream, Snow Fairy, Little Mike and the all-conquering Frankel. Famously, the latter was in the Juddmonte International at York, a race that will live long in the memory of any horse racing fan.
St Nicholas Abbey (purple and white) behind Frankel
and Farrh
His 6 year old season saw 2 wins from two races, with successes in the Sheema Classic and, once again, the Coronation Cup for the third time running. Unfortunately, his Epsom victory was to be his last, as a fractured pastern ended his racing career. Here began the incredible efforts from the Ballydoyle veterinary team to keep him alive and comfortable. The progress of his treatment was well documented, with regular updates keeping the racing public informed. Every time it seemed as though his health was improving, he would have another obstacle forced upon him. Despite this, he battled on bravely until he could fight no more, his life ending on the 14th January 2014, due to a bout of colic.
A horse who was seen by many as over-hyped, he showed himself to be far from it. A Ballydoyle stalwart, his hard as nails attitude earnt him admiration from the whole of the racing community. He was like a fine wine, improved with age. A equine superstar, who will never be forgotten.
St Nicholas Abbey
13th April 2007-14th January 2014
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