“Giant Labrador” Arapaho has completed his final race.

Accomplished Group 1 victor on two occasions, Arapaho has now been sent into retirement by his handler Bjorn Baker, who pointed to “wear and tear” for ending the gelding’s time on the track.

Baker revealed the news on Thursday, labelling Arapaho “an outstanding ambassador for our stable” and a “tough and genuine” competitor on the racetrack.

“The decision to retire him has been made with his best interests firmly in mind,” Baker stated on social media platform X.

“He is feeling a little wear and tear in his joints, and at nine years old, it’s the right call to step him away from racing rather than take any risk.”

Beginning his racing journey in France, Arapaho made his way to Australia during 2021 and turned into a key member of the stable across multiple campaigns.

He secured the Tancred Stakes (2400m) back in 2023, then claimed another elite success at eight years young by prevailing in last year’s Sydney Cup (3200m).

Arapaho’s latest outing resulted in a midfield effort during the 2025 Melbourne Cup, and across his full record of 50 appearances he notched 10 victories along with 10 other podium finishes, banking over $4.3 million in stakes.

Beyond his on-track achievements, Arapaho held a special place in the stable, where staff viewed him as a “giant Labrador”.

The popular galloper has also won the affection of his usual rider Rachel King, who, together with her partner and Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton, will look after him during retirement.

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