Avilius has been retired by the Godolphin stable with the three-time Group 1 winner set to become a key part of Godolphin's Lifetime Care program.
Trained by James Cummings, Avilius gave many punters the thrill of watching their tip fly from no where with a blistering dash of speed.
2019 was the best year of Avilius' career with all three of his Group 1 victories coming in that year. He claimed the Ranvet Stakes (2000m), Tancred Stakes (2400m) and George Main Stakes (1600m) in a dominant year on track.
Avilius dominates the field to win the G1 Colgate Optic White Stakes at @RoyalRandwick. pic.twitter.com/UJnFk4csvZ
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 21, 2019
Bleeding from both nostrils following the G1 Doomben Cup on May 22 brought an end to his storied career. He had looked a shadow of his best at times in 2020 before finding some of his trademark dash again towards the end of the spring.
Cummings paid tribute to the brave runner in a statement.
"So, it is only right that he should bow out with dignity. He was running well and, as he did from day one, he went into every battle in good health and with great desire," Cummings said.
"Horses like him never stop trying, so we have to know when to call time.
"He was an exceptionally talented horse. He was versatile and extremely resilient. He will be greatly missed, but he will always have a very good home."
Avilius often teased punters without getting the spoils over his 39 starts but was always brave. He did his best work under water making the seemingly always damp Sydney tracks the perfect place to trot.
Avilius won 11 races and accumulated $3,698,985 in prizemoney.
