INJURED CAPE BLANCO RETIRED TO STUD

Cape Blanco has been retired to stud after sustaining a knee injury when

winning at Belmont Park in America on Saturday.

The four-year old son of Galileo sustained the injury while winning the Joe Hirsch Classic Invitational over 12 furlongs.

Ridden by Jamie Spencer, he was hard-pressed to hold off the challenge of Dean's Kitten to win by a nose with his success completing a hat-trick of Grade One victories in the United States.

He had previously won the Arlington Million in August and the Man O'War Stakes, back at Belmont, in July.

Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Cape Blanco hadn't raced in Europe since finishing down the field behind Canford Cliffs over an inadequate mile in the Queen Anne Stakes.

His victories in Europe included a further two top-level success in the Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes whilst he also got the better of Workforce in the Dante.

O'Brien said: "Cape Blanco is an extremely talented and courageous horse with a tremendous attitude to his racing so we will all be very sad to see him leave Ballydoyle.

"The fact that he never once changed leads in the home straight in spite of his injury just goes to prove what a brave horse he is. It is very disappointing for all the partners especially the Hays as we were very much looking forward to the Breeders' Cup."

Stud plans for Cape Blanco will be announced at a later date.

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