The racing world has farewelled one of Queensland racing’s most beloved characters, with Rothfire officially retired following an extraordinary career that saw him overcome a multitude of injuries and setbacks to compete at the highest level.

Affectionately known as ‘The Thriller From Chinchilla’, Rothfire retires with 47 starts to his name, including 17 Group 1 appearances and 10 Group 2 starts.

Trainer Robbie Heathcote joined SENTrack & RSN's Giddy Up with Gareth Hall to reflect on the remarkable career of his stable star and explain why Sunday's Manikato Stakes ultimately convinced him the time had come to call it a day.

Heathcote said he had always wanted Rothfire to make the decision himself, while admitting he felt a sense of relief rather than sadness after the veteran's retirement was confirmed.

“I always said the moment Rothy puts his hand up and says that’s enough, we would retire him,” Heathcote said.

“I had a few owners and people ring me and say well done and you must be really sad, but it’s quite the opposite. I feel somewhat elated.

“He’s had an amazing career, 47 starts and a plethora of injuries and issues. I’m happy he could retire as a sound and healthy horse.”

Rothfire's final race came in Sunday's Manikato Stakes, where he was unable to produce the trademark turn of foot that had carried him to some of the biggest wins of his career.

While Jimmysstar produced a dominant performance at the head of the field, Heathcote said it was Rothfire's own performance that ultimately told him the eight-year-old had reached the end of his racing career.

“What happened in the Manikato on Sunday was Jimmysstar was absolutely dynamic and I don’t think there was too many there on Sunday that could have beat him,” he said.

“Old Rothy got back in the run and unfortunately he just didn’t let down as he normally would and that’s all I needed to know, that’s it.”

Hall reflected on just how remarkable Rothfire's longevity had been, given the setbacks he had endured throughout his career.

“We probably thought he would be retired five or six years ago and there were times he could’ve been retired earlier, but he always found that way to come back,” Hall said.

Those setbacks were more serious than many on the outside may have realised, with Heathcote revealing Rothfire's career had come close to ending on more than one occasion.

“If I’m being honest, there were a few times it came close to it being the end of his life, it got that bad,” Heathcote said.

“Of his 47 starts, 17 were Group 1s and 10 of them were Group 2s, he’s pretty much raced at the top during his latter part of his career.”

Rothfire was always something of an underdog, but repeatedly defied expectations throughout his career.

He won a Group 1 as a two-year-old before producing another remarkable chapter at the age of eight, winning his next Group 1 while setting an Australasian record in the process.

From a precocious youngster to a battle-hardened veteran, Rothfire's career was ultimately defined by his resilience and ability to continually overcome adversity.

The ‘Thriller From Chinchilla’ may now be retired from the racetrack, but his toughness, longevity and willingness to repeatedly come back from setbacks have ensured he leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Queensland racing.