Arapaho earned his “Giant Labrador” tag before running his last race.
Bjorn Baker has retired the dual Group 1 gelding Arapaho, blaming “wear and tear” for halting his distinguished racing journey.
The trainer announced on Thursday that Arapaho served as “an outstanding ambassador for our stable” and proved a “tough and genuine” runner.
“The decision to retire him has been made with his best interests firmly in mind,” Baker noted on social media platform X.
“He is feeling a little wear and tear in his joints, and at nine years old, it’s the right call to step him away from racing rather than take any risk.”
Arapaho’s initial races came in France, followed by a 2021 transfer to Australia where he became a stable regular across seasons.
After the Tancred Stakes (2400m) in 2023, he notched a second elite prize aged eight by winning last year’s Sydney Cup (3200m).
His final run was a midfield placing in the 2025 Melbourne Cup, capping 50 outings with 10 wins, 10 further placings, and stakes over $4.3 million.
At the yard, Arapaho was adored akin to a “giant Labrador”.
The equine star endeared himself to regular pilot Rachel King, who with spouse Luke Hilton—Baker’s racing manager—will tend to him in retirement.
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