Happy retirement, Far From A Ruby

One of the most popular horses in Ursa Major history has been retired after a career which saw her win three races and earn more than £25,000 in prize money.

The Katie Scott trained Far From A Ruby will live long in the memory of her dedicated owners thanks to her bravery, will to win and durability in a career that saw her run 43 times across three seasons.

Since being purchased by Ursa Major in February 2022 she wrote her name into the Battenberg history books with a win and nine further top four finishes in 23 starts.

But it was her will to win, personality and good looks that saw her become a fan favourite with her owners – and others across racing, with even Matt Chapman confessing how much he admired her before a race at Newcastle.

Her finest hour came at her beloved Ayr in August last year, where she scored by more than three lengths under Aiden Brookes. She ran nine times at the Scottish track, with one win, two seconds, two thirds and two fourths to her name.

Another track she excelled at was Wolverhampton, with 11 visits to Dunstall Park yielding a win and six places.

When she arrived at Katie’s she was quite buzzy and played up at the start on a couple of occasions, but it was the love, dedication and individual attention she received at the yard which turned her into a horse which struck a chord with so many.

Indeed, she was the most viewed horse on our website in 2022 and still ranks high up the list this year.

After her success last season she hadn’t shown this same sparkle in 2023 and Joe Fanning confirmed Katie’s suspicions that her racing days were coming to an end on her final appearance at Ayr.

Racing Manager Craig Talbot said: “Far From A Ruby will go down in Ursa history as one of the toughest and most genuine horses we have had who got owners to the track 23 times in less than 18 months – winning once and placing regularly too.

“I love a horse who tries their heart out and she really did that. Her will to win endeared her to a whole host of racing fans and professionals and you would be hard pressed to find anyone who didn’t fall in love with her.

“I am delighted that she has been found a truly loving home for her retirement with Hicky Parmer, a well known owner, who will let her live out her second career in luxury surrounds while learning polo.

“We always put horse welfare above everything else and ensure that our horses go to the best homes possible once they tell us their racing days are over.

“Thank you to Katie for her marvellous handling of Ruby and our owners who have had a fantastic ride with her.”

We have cemented a fantastic relationship with Katie, with our colours now being carried by Jungle Jean, Annie Maher and Thaki.

Katie said: “Ruby has been an absolute pleasure to train and has lit up the stables here over the last 18 months. She turned into a really consistent mare and everybody here loved her. We are so very sad to see her go, but we are happy she has been retired safe and sound and is off to a fantastic second career.

“We look forward to hearing how she gets on in future.”