DANA RETIRED AND WON’T DEFEND MARATHON CROWN

Ian Fortune

One of the greatest ultra-marathon performers to ever grace these shores, Dana Point has run her final race after finishing at the tail of the field in her comeback outing at Limerick on Sunday evening.

The brilliant daughter of Sparta Maestro and Blundel Spark was due to run in the opening round of the Shelbourne Marathon on Thursday night but Sean Mullins confirmed yesterday that she won’t be taking her place but will instead be retired immediately.

Of course, Dana Point first came to prominence when running out an exceptional winner of the open 850 at the 2020 Winter Racing Festival. Soon after she captured the Shelbourne Marathon and, remarkably, she returned the following year to again complete the double, while also finishing runner-up in the Cambridgeshire.  

Said Mullin’s of his star, “We've been struggling lately to try to get her back to her best. Sadly, it was without success. We were hoping she might rekindle some spark at Limerick but it wasn't to be.

“She came in season twice in four months earlier this year and, in hindsight, she was probably telling us that she was ready for motherhood. We're looking forward to hopefully have fun with her offspring in the future.”

Indeed, if her progeny stay as strongly as her, and match her for overall pace, she could potentially throw some real staying stars. That’s not always the rule of thumb, however. There is plenty of speed in the pedigree also and don’t be shocked if one or two of her pups turn into very talented four bend trackers.

Either way, the very best of luck to Sean Mullins and Olly Curtin. Dana Point certainly owes them nothing and she deserves a long healthy retirement.