Lloyd Williams reveals retirement of grand Cups warrior Serpentine following Perth Cup flop

A grand campaigner who raced in two Melbourne Cups for Lloyd Williams has run his last race, the high profile owner has confirmed.

Serpentine before the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington in November. Picture: Racing Photos

Melbourne Cup king Lloyd Williams has revealed grand warrior Serpentine has been retired following his Perth Cup failure.

Serpentine competed in two Melbourne Cups after initially being a young star in Europe when winning the Group 1 Epsom Derby in 2020.

He only won three races in Australia but generally competed at elite level in staying contests and was often seen trying to make his own luck from up front.

His last wins were back-to-back triumphs in the 2024 Sydney autumn.

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In the 2024 Melbourne sprint carnival, Serpentine produced a stirring effort when finishing second in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) behind subsequent Melbourne Cup third placegetter Okita Soushi.

He then finished fourth in both the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington and the Group 2 Zipping Classic at Sandown.

Owner Lloyd Williams has revealed Serpentine has been retired. Picture: Racing Photos

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Sent west to tackle the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot, Serpentine started a $14 chance but did too much work early when being sent forward and eventually sitting outside the leader.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained stayer finished second last, beaten more than 10 lengths, in Wednesday’s race, which was won by $81 bolter Hemlock Stone.

“Serpentine has been retired, he has done his job,” seven-time Melbourne Cup winning owner Williams confirmed to News Corp via text message.

A great battle in the 2025 Perth Cup and it goes to Hemlock Stone! 🏆@williamsracing6 | @PerthRacing | @RacingWA_pic.twitter.com/uspZEJe6H0

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 1, 2025

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Eight-year-old Serpentine won almost $1.5m in a 34-start career.

Serpentine didn’t figure in the two Melbourne Cups he raced in, being beaten a long way in 2022 and 2023.

The Perth Cup was won by $81 roughie Hemlock Stone, trained by Grant and Alana Williams and ridden by Patrick Carberry.

Originally published as Lloyd Williams reveals retirement of grand Cups warrior Serpentine following Perth Cup flop