A decision to retire All Too Hard, immediately, was reached between shareholders and the Hawkes team of Michael, Wayne and father, John, trainers of the horse.

The colt had nothing further to prove, he ticked all the boxes, he now goes to stud at Vinery with a pretty impressive race record.

Sure, he could have gone to Royal Ascot, or he could have done this or that, but in the light of day was it really necessary?

All Too Hard won the races that count, weight for age races to 1600 metres, you don’t have to get any further to establish a sire.

He commences his stud career in his youth as a four year old, everything is ahead of him, he will receive the support he so richly deserves.

Furthermore, he will be well let down before the season begins, he is going to make into a very attractive four year old entire.

He could have possibly raced on for another season, or even two, but when there is a price tag on him of $25 million you don’t take risks.

“We are obviously very disappointed to see All Too Hard retire, but we understand it is the owner’s decision,” said John Hawkes.

“It was a difficult decision, as well for us, to retire a colt with so much more to offer as a racehorse,” said Vinery Stud’s General Manager Peter Orton.

“All Too Hard has done all we could have asked for and more, he is the most exciting stud prospect I have seen in many years,” he added.

All Too Hard will stand for $66,000 service fee, and the way bookings are being received there will be a waiting list shortly.

All Too  Hard winning the Futurity Stakes