Injury has forced the premature retirement of the multiple stakes winner and Group One performer Burgundy.

The beautifully-bred son of Redoute’s Choice and the former top-class Zabeel mare Grand Echezeaux went out on a winning note after his brave victory in the Listed Fairdale/Goodwood Studs’ Flying Handicap.

“I was so proud of the way in which Burgundy won at Awapuni on Saturday,” Te Akau principal David Ellis said.

“He fought like a tiger and although he was headed in the straight on two occasions, he came back to win. He never gave up, pinned his ears back and showed huge heart, determination and courage – just what you want in a stallion.

“You can clearly see that Burgundy faltered about 180 metres from the line on Saturday. Te Akau vet Dr Douglas Black examined him and has found heat in his tendon. He is too good a horse to risk racing again.

“To still show the courage that he did was incredible and I have no doubt he will pass this quality, as well as his wonderful temperament, onto his offspring.

“Burgundy has been a very special racehorse to his owners and everyone at Te Akau, winning his first and now his last start for Jason Bridgman. We have already had huge interest from studs wishing to stand Burgundy and we will now concentrate on the exciting second phase of his career.”

A three-quarter brother to the multiple Group One winner and producer Darci Brahma, Burgundy retires as the winner of seven races, including the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Breeders’ Stakes and at Listed level the Fairdale/Goodwood Studs’ Flying Handicap, the Chainey’s Levin Stakes, the Coolmore Mr Tiz Trophy and the Ekraar Canterbury Stakes.

He was also placed in the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph Handicap, Gr.2 Waiwera Great Northern Guineas and the Gr.3 Phil Cataldo Wellington Guineas. His only failure to weigh in during a 12-start career was in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas when he was found to be suffering from thumps.