News

Gelagotis Planning More Gr1 Glory For Mourinho

25th Nov 2015

Breeding and Racing - Tuesday, 24th November 2015

Trainer Peter Gelagotis is hoping that stable star Mourinho has at least a couple of good campaigns left in him before his retirement.

The veteran galloper gave the Victorian horseman his first Gr1 success in the spring when scoring an upset win in the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.

Gelagotis says the 8YO is three weeks away from returning to his stable where he will be prepared for a first-up run in the Gr1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on 13 February.

The plan is then for the son of Oratorio to head to the Gr2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield followed by either the Gr1 Australian Cup at Flemington or a trip to Sydney for The Championships, before yet another spring carnival campaign.

"He's got to the stage now where that's his life," Gelagotis said.

"He's going to have to compete at the highest level because that's where his rating is."

He added: "You can't go backwards on what he's achieved to date as everything has been upwards and upwards for him."

Gelagotis is hoping Mourinho can stave off retirement but knows every start he has brings him closer to the end.

"Eventually the fairytale will have to come to an end," Gelagotis said.

"He's not showing any chinks in his armour at this stage."

He added: "Hopefully there's still 12 to 18 months of good racing in him and he can then retire at the top of his game."