Proven Thoroughbreds’ flagship stayer STOCKMAN has been retired from racing with an equestrian career now ahead of him.
The rising 10yo gelding retires as a bona fide stalwart for Proven, having raced for seven seasons on the flat and more recently over the jumps.
STOCKMAN will be most fondly remembered for fulfilling a lifelong ambition of ours – running in a Melbourne Cup.
Starting a $16 chance in the 2022 edition of Australia’s most celebrated race, STOCKMAN was snookered between horses back in 18th at the 800m mark but ran home powerfully once clear to finish a commendable and somewhat unlucky 8th.
To finish in the top 10 with an Australasian-bred yearling is no easy feat these days, given the proliferation of expensive imports from overseas.
Among STOCKMAN’s other career highlights was victory in the St Leger (2600m) at Randwick – defeating Group 1 winner ARAPAHO by 1.8 lengths at level weights, and a brave 2nd to top class mare DUAIS in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m).
All told, he won four stakes races and placed in four others which contributed to a career prizemoney haul of $1,915,135.
In the final chapter of his storied career, STOCKMAN took to the jumping caper with estimable endeavour, breaking his maiden at only his third attempt over the hurdles, having placed in both of his previous starts.
He returned for this year’s jumps season with another 2nd over 3200m at Hamilton before injury dashed ambitions of a tilt at the Warrnambool jumps carnival.
Whilst the injury was not significant, the ownership group unanimously and graciously decided to retire STOCKMAN from all racing duties.
A big thank you to trainers Joe Pride and Symon Wilde, and all of their respective staff, who have had anything to do with ‘STOCKY’; without doubt the most gentle, kind natured gelding to don the black and lime green.
We are pleased to report STOCKMAN is currently resting at a property run by his part-owners the King family whilst we field enquiries from riders in the equestrian world.
All the best STOCKY!
STOCKMAN riding off into retirement…
Thank you STOCKY 🙏
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— PR🟢VEN Thoroughbreds (@ProvenTbreds) May 21, 2026