Magna Grecia and Phoenix of Spain retired

The 2,000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia and Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Phoenix of Spain have both been retired, their respective connections have confirmed. The son of Invincible Spirit, Magna Grecia claimed Group 1 victories as both a two-year-old and a three-year-old, clinching the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster ahead of Phoenix of Spain back in 2018. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt returned with a bang this year as he triumphed by two-and-a-half lengths in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, beating the likes of Ten Sovereigns and Advertise to the English Classic. Magna Grecia will be retired to stud at Coolmore in 2020 and the yard’s director of sales David O’Loughlin said: “Magna Grecia is a top-class prospect by the sire of Kingman. He’s got the pedigree and the good looks, and he beat so many good horses in both the Vertem Futurity and the 2,000 Guineas.” Joining him in leaving the track is Phoenix of Spain, who produced a career-best performance to claim the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh at May. Charlie Hills’ starlet failed to build on that success, coming home in 10th place in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Champions Day at Ascot last weekend on his final outing.