Two-time Breeders' Cup winner Modern Games retired

Modern Games, whose five Grade/Group 1 wins included two Breeders' Cup races, has been retired from racing, owner-breeder Godolphin announced on Tuesday.

Stud plans are yet to be announced for the son of international super-sire Dubawi, who Godolphin stands under its Darley Stallions banner at its Dalham Hall Stud in England. In addition to England and Ireland, Darley has stallion bases in the United States, Australia, and Japan.

Modern Games won the Group 3 Somerville Stakes in England as a juvenile, followed by a score in the 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar - a race in which he was the center of controversy as he raced for purse money only after being erroneously listed as a gate scratch.

The following year, Modern Games won Grade/Group 1 races in three different countries, taking the Poule d'Essai des Poulains in France, the Woodbine Mile in Canada, and the Breeders' Cup Mile at Keeneland in the U.S. He was also second in a pair of Group 1 races in England, and third in the French Derby.

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This year, Modern Games again distinguished himself with a victory in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes in England. He was second in the Grade 1 Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland. His overall record stands at 16-8-4-1 with earnings of $3,571,418.

“Modern Games was a brilliant horse to train and such a great advert for Godolphin," trainer Charlie Appleby said in a release. "To win at two Breeders’ Cups, to be part of our trio of Guineas winners in 2022, and to land the Lockinge Stakes this season, shows his class, toughness, and durability.

“He answered every call we asked of him, and we will miss him at Moulton Paddocks. I’m sure he will be a huge success in his next career as a stallion.”

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