Melbourne and Caulfield Cup winner retired from racing

Without A Fight has been retired from racing.

Freedman Racing has confirmed that the 2023 Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup winner’s racing career is over following a trial on Thursday morning.

The eight-year-old gelding, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum, joined Anthony & Sam Freedman in 2022 having previously been trained in Europe.

He dominated the 2023 Melbourne spring carnival, claiming both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups which made up half of his victories on Australian shores. He also won the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup and Group 2 Q22 during the Brisbane winter carnival in 2023.

Without A Fight had 24 career starts for 11 wins and eight placings, which yielded more than $9.7 million in prize money.

The son of Teofilo suffered a tendon injury after the '23 Cup and was sidelined for a lengthy spell before returning last spring.

His last official race in Australia was a third to Via Sistina in the Group 1 2024 Champions Stakes. In his final trip to the race track he was unplaced in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin last December.

See the statement from Freedman Racing below:

Read the full statement below:

Following a trial this morning, the decision has been made to officially retire Without A Fight from racing.

Without A Fight joined our stable following the 2022 Melbourne Cup, after a highly successful career in Europe. He made an immediate impact in Australia, claiming victory in both the Group 3 Lord Mayor's Cup and the Group 2 022 during the 2023 Queensland Winter Carnival. His exceptional talent was on full display during the 2023 Spring Carnival, where he etched his name into history by becoming the first horse since Ethereal in 2001 to win both the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup in the same year. His final start in Australia would be his third placing behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington.

He has been an absolute gentleman to have in the stable, and will be remembered as one of the finest stayers of his generation.

His Cups double not only delivered the pinnacle of our training careers, but also created unforgettable memories for all involved - from our dedicated track riders, stable hands, strappers, vets, farriers, to those at the spelling farms. He has left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be part of his journey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to his owner, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, for entrusting us with the privilege of training such a remarkable horse in Australia. We are truly indebted to him for the opportunity.

As Without A Fight begins the next chapter of his life, we wish him the very best in his retirement. He has given us all so much - and for that, we are forever grateful.

Kind Regards,

Anthony & Sam Freedman