Burrows hails Hukum as King George champion is retired to stud

King George winner and double Group One champion Hukum has been retired and will join Darley’s stallion roster at Hokkaido in Japan.

Trained by Lambourn-based Owen Burrows at the Shadwell operation, the six-year-old is a full-brother to the brilliant Baaeed, who retired last season after winning ten of 11 career starts.

Hukum was a winner of 11 of his 18 races, winning twice at Group One level. Having beaten Pyledriver by over four lengths in the 2022 Coronation Cup, he looked set for a stellar season but unfortunately suffered a career-threatening injury.

Nursed back to health by the Shadwell team and Burrows, he beat last year’s Derby winner Desert Crown in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes before claiming victory in a thrilling King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes ahead of Westover at Ascot earlier this summer.

Speaking to Racing TV, Burrows said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to train Hukum over the last four seasons. I will forever be in his debt as he has brought my career to a whole new level. His enthusiasm for work and racing made my job easy.

“His win in the Coronation Cup by over four lengths and King George win this year showed off all his fine attributes perfectly. Class, guts and will to win. That race will live long in, not just mine, but many racing fans’ memories for years to come."