Acomb Irene bows out at Sheffield as a runner-up
Acomb Irene ran the final race of her career on Sunday afternoon at Sheffield. Kevin Ferguson's star finished second to Romeo On Point to close out her exceptional career.
Photo - Rob Crawford
Acomb Irene has been retired
Acomb Irene was unable to win the race named in her honour at Sheffield on Sunday but ran a creditable race in second.
Kevin Ferguson’s British-bred star lined up favourite to win the Acomb Irene Retirement Stakes but, while trapping well, the early pace of Romeo On Point secured what proved a first-bend winning lead for Kelly Hodson’s dog in the A2.
Rallying well in behind, Acomb Irene secured second by the narrowest of margins from Charming Delight to end a fine career, having won no less that 31 races from 110 starts - a superb strike-rate for the March 21 whelp.
A daughter of Hiya Butt and Acomb Ruby, Ferguson’s brilliant brood who has thrown so many winners, Acomb Irene won races at Kinsley, Sheffield, Perry Barr, Doncaster and Sunderland in a cracking career.
In addition to winning a British-bred stake at Sunderland which celebrated the life of former trainer Harry Williams, Acomb Irene reached the finals of three Category One events in 2024.
They were the Time 3 Steps To Victory Final at Sheffield, where she was fourth to Queen Georgia, the Arc Laurels Final at Perry Barr when fifth to Kilwest Ranger and in the BGBF British Breeders Stakes when runner-up to her litter brother Acomb Felix with further littermates Acomb Johnny and Acomb Alfie behind in third and fifth.
She made her debut at Kinsley in July 2022 and won races in five different calendar years!
Sheffield commentator Rob Crawford said: “I believe the plan is for Irene to be homed with Kevin and Jackie (Ferguson). Jackie has joked that Irene is better house-trained than Kevin!”
