Hard Style Rico retired to stud


TAB Melbourne Cup hero Hard Style Rico has been retired to stud.

Making the announcement on RSN Central, owner/trainer Luckie Karabitsakos said the decision came after plenty of deliberation in the days after claiming the world’s greatest greyhound race, adding that the Sandown track record holder has no more to prove.

“He’s won a Melbourne Cup and broken the Sandown track record. He’s climbed Everest – there’s nothing left for him to prove,” explained Karabitsakos.

“When he trialled as a pup he went 5.0s to the first split and 18.70s to the back, we thought then he was going to be a Melbourne Cup type. From day one we knew he was extremely fast and to match it he’s got the perfect temperament.”

Karabitsakos believes that Hard Style Rico will offer an alternative to other emerging sires.

“There’s a number of sons of Barcia Bale and Fernando Bale at stud. He’s by Bella Infrared and with him no longer available there’s going to be demand for his sons at stud.”

Stud details are being finalised and Hard Style Rico is expected to be available to breeders in coming weeks.

Click here for a full recap from a memorable TAB Melbourne Cup night.

Luckie Karabitsakos discusses his TAB Melbourne Cup win with Gareth Hall on RSN Central, and the decision to retire him to stud
Hard Style Rico (5) breaks the track record to win the world's greatest greyhound race, the TAB Melbourne Cup