The former champion point-to-point horse Kruzhlinin bowed out in style when he was retired immediately after a tenacious victory over hurdles at Limerick on Sunday.
That hard fought success came on the 56th competitive appearance for the now 14-year-old as he defied his veteran status to defeat Buck Rogers, a horse more than half his age by a nose in a thrilling finish to the three-mile David Fitzgerald Memorial Handicap Hurdle.
Camilla Sharples’ son of Sholokhov certainly hasn’t lost any of his enthusiasm for the game as he raced enthusiastically from the front under Jordan Gainford throughout before rallying when challenged at the final flight to just hang on for a memorable success at the Munster venue to bring his ten-year career to a close.
The 2018/19 point-to-point season saw Kruzhlinin write himself in point-to-pointing history when winning a record-breaking 13 races in the one campaign, a total that was needed to share the champion point-to-point horse title with Sam Curling’s Longhouse Music.
Affectionately known as Kevin, Kruzhlinin had made a winning debut in the sphere at Moig South in November 2018 under Lisa O’Neill, who was also at Limerick on Sunday to witness his final success, before he added future victories during that season at Tinahely, Corbeagh House, Tyrella, Kirkistown, Oldcastle, Taylorstown, Loughanmore, Ballindenisk, Stradbally and Ballingarry.
"We were under pressure running him and I hope this win doesn't go unnoticed," Elliott told IrishRacing.com following Sunday’s final win.
"We wouldn't run the horse unless he was in good form and this is great and he is retired now.
"We love all the horses in the yard, horses are first and foremost and while I want to train winners, we love the horses and in fairness to Camilla (Sharples, Elliott's head lass and owner of the winner) it is great.
"Everyone in the yard looks after this horse and he has also won 14 point-to-points. He will stay in the yard now to lead the young horses and it is brilliant."
