WOLF Whistle, Mike de Kock’s 2003 Summer Cup winner, was one of the powerhouse geldings that raced for the stable in the 2000s, and we are happy to report that the horse with the big, copper-coloured hindquarters is enjoying himself in retirement, aged 20.

“He’s at a retirement farm in Hatta, Dubai, run by Brenda Cooke, and as you can see from photos he’s still in fine shape, the old guy. He’s one of our all-time favourites,” said Mike de Kock.

Many racing fans regard the 2003 renewal of the Cup as one the most exciting in the history of the race. It saw Kevin Shea on Wolf Whistle and Piere Strydom on Yard-Arm, a horse of near equal in size and guts, take each other to task over the last 300m.

That famous finish with Wolf Whistle (left) and Yard-Arm.

Neither jockey gave an inch and their mounts joined in what was described as a “vigorous brawl” in which the pair of hoops elbowed and bumped each other and went to the line almost as one, the judge giving it to Wolf Whistle after what felt like a lifetime. After that, Wolf Whistle had to survive an objection.

Wolf Whistle, by Badger Land from Certainly was bred by Bush Hill Stud and owned by Peter Sargent, Mike Egan, Hans Enderle, Bill Fenner and Paul Harris. He was shipped to Dubai in 2004 and won two of five starts, including the 2005 Al Rashidiya (Group 3), when his familiar fighting spirit counted in a close finish. On retirement from racing in 2006, due to his tempermant, size and presence, and his leadership qualities, he was selected to be the Lead Horse at Nad Al Sheba, a duty he performed for several years.