Trainer Gerald Ryan has confirmed well-trialled gelding Ironstein could make an appearance in Queensland this weekend to contest the featured Ipswich Cup (2150m), in what could be the eight-year-old’s final preparation before retiring from racing.

A strong and consistent performer over each of his racing campaigns since first appearing on track in the summer of 2008, Ironstein will be contesting just his fourth race this time in this weekend, and will enter on the back of a competitive performance for fourth in the Eremein Handicap (1800m) on May 31^st.

Having also been included in nominations for an event of 2000 metres at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens Racecourse this weekend, Ryan told AAP a final decision is yet to be made for the Zabeel gelding this weekend, but is confident of another polished performance in either event.

“I have to talk it over with all the owners and see how the race comes up,” Ryan said.

“He is entered for both races and it won’t matter if it’s 2000 metres of the 2150 at Ipswich.”

A mainstay in major events all over the country, Ironstein strolled home to win the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) in arguably his most impressive performance in 2011, and has continued to chip away at an impressive racing career that has already delivered more than $1 million in prize money.

Running on from the rear of the field to finish fifth amongst classy competition in the Royal Randwick 100 (1400m) first-up on April 26^th, the gelding out of Gentle Genius was unlucky to finish second when blocked for a run in the Listed Scone Cup (1600m) prior to his most recent performance for fourth in the Eremein Handicap.

Ryan also revealed a possible tilt at the featured Grafton Cup (2350m) as a likely swansong for Ironstein on July 10^th.

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