Most studs would be delighted to welcome even one Derby winner to its ranks for the forthcoming breeding season but the team at Coolmore is in the fortunate position of having to prepare two new stallion boxes for 2013 winner Ruler Of The World and this year’s hero Australia. The pair will stand alongside their own outstanding sire Galileo.
A half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Duke Of Marmalade, Ruler Of The World, who is joint-owned by Al Shaqab Racing, returned to winning form in September, taking the Group 2 Prix Foy on Arc trials day at Longchamp under Frankie Dettori. Following a midfield finish in the Arc itself and a disappointing effort in last weekend’s QIPCO Champion Stakes, he has been found to have suffered a recurrence of an old muscle injury which has forced his retirement.
Australia, winner of the English Derby, Irish Derby and Juddmonte International Stakes this season, was also fpressed into early retirement though an injury to his hoof earlier this month. The son of dual Oaks winner Ouija Board was bred in Britain by Lord Derby’s Stanley House Stud.
A fee for both horses will be set at a later date.
