Francis Graffard retires last year's Arc runner-up In Swoop due to injury

In Swoop, the Francis Graffard-trained Group 1 winner and runner-up in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, has been retired because of an injury.

Graffard suspects the Gestut Schlenderhan-owned four-year-old picked up the injury in his last race, when fourth behind Broome in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud under Olivier Peslier.

In Swoop career details

He was sent off the 7-5 favourite that day having won the Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly on his previous start.

"In Swoop has suffered a career-threatening injury, probably sustained in his last race, and so the decision has been made to retire him," Graffard told the Racing Post on Monday.

"He's been a super horse for us and really put all his efforts into the afternoons on track. He would never show much in the mornings but had a real aptitude when it came time to go racing."

In Swoop (12): was only beaten a neck by Sottsass in last year's Prix de l'Arc de TriompheCredit: Edward Whitaker

Asked for a career highlight Graffard opted for the 151st Deutsches Derby, a Group 1 at Hamburg in July last year.

He said: "The German Derby was a highlight. Obviously it was wonderful for his owners and because I wasn't there at the time I probably didn't realise how big a deal it was for me.

"But looking back it was a tremendous race to win. And you have to remember that was only his third start, he was still a big baby at the time."

In Swoop raced nine times, winning four, and amassed more than £1.2 million in win and place prize-money. He was beaten a neck by Sottsass when a 10-1 shot for last year's Arc and the only time he finished outside the first three was on his final start.

The son of Adlerflug could yet win more races as a sire however. Graffard said: "No decision has been made yet as to his future at stud. He's a beautiful looking horse with a lot of quality and a fantastic pedigree, while of course his sire is no longer with us."

Read more

In Swoop justifies Graffard's decision with Grand Prix de Chantilly success

Broome sweeps aside rivals to give Aidan O'Brien first Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud

Rouget proves master of the hour as Sottsass soars in Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

In Swoop and Persian King complete French-trained domination of the 2020 Arc

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