'He’s meant the world to us' - prolific sprinter of 106 races Summerghand retired

Summerghand, one of the most prolific runners in big sprint handicaps, is off to help teach aspiring riders what to expect from a career in racing after being retired from competing.

Owned by Salem Rashid Bin Ghadayer and trained throughout his career by David O’Meara, Summerghand raced 106 times between 2017 and 2024, winning on 17 occasions and earning £632,986 in win and place prize-money.

O’Meara said: “He’s not as good as he used to be, and we didn’t want to be going on and on with him. I had hoped to win one more race on the grass with him before we stopped, and he ran a great race in Ireland during the summer and in the Stewards’ Cup, but he wasn’t quite able to. 

“He’s meant the world to us. He’s a horse who’s been with us for so long and he was the last horse left here who came with me when we moved to this yard in 2016. He wasn’t immediately that good – he didn’t run at two and ended his first season with a rating in the 70s – but he just took off as an older horse. He was amazing. 

“To win a Stewards’ Cup, an Ayr Gold Cup, be beaten a nose in the Wokingham, win the Hopeful Stakes, the Abernant – there’s loads I’m missing as well. He’s just remarkable.”

David O'Meara: paid tribute to hardy sprinter Summerghand following his retirementCredit: Edward Whitaker

Summerghand also achieved notable victories in the All-Weather Sprint Championships final, the Golden Rose Stakes and back-to-back successes in the 6f handicap at York’s Ebor festival.

As well as his wins in Britain, Summerghand competed in Ireland, Qatar and Dubai and achieved a peak Racing Post Rating of 118 when winning the 2020 Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood.

Summerghand has left O’Meara’s yard and will be based at the British Racing School on the outskirts of Newmarket, where he will be used as part of the training for young people gaining qualifications to enter the racing industry.

O’Meara said: “He was always an easy horse to train, although he took a little bit of riding. He was brilliantly sound and we had very few problems with him on that front. The way he was and the way he trained gave him that chance to have the longevity he did. 

“He’s left the yard to go to the British Racing School, where he’s going to help the younger generation coming through. He’ll be great for that job as he’s sound and willing, and he’ll certainly teach the youngsters a thing or two, that’s for sure.”

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