Second in last Saturday’s $5million All Star Mile, high class imported stallion Russian Camelot (IRE) has been retired with his owners considering options for his future career at stud.
His trainer Danny O’Brien issued a press release this morning announcing a slight tear in his near-fore tendon had been found and connections have opted to make the decision to retire the horse immediately.
“Today is an extremely disappointing day for us all, however we will be forever indebted to such a magnificent horse who gave us all the most exhilarating experience that we will never forget,” managing owner John Wheeler said.
Bought as a yearling from the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Russian Camelot won the Group I South Australian Derby and Group I MRC Underwood Stakes with his overall record an impressive four wins and five placings from 11 starts with earnings of $2.3million.
“From the moment we bought him at the Tattersalls Sale in Newmarket, he has been a standout colt. Although we only saw him race 11 times, he made a significant impact on the Australian racing scene winning the SA Derby and at WFA in the Underwood Stakes as a three-year-old,” trainer Danny O’Brien said.
Russian Camelot is a genuine European blueblood being one of seven Group I winners by Epsom Derby winner Camelot from Lady Babooshka, an unraced half-sister by Cape Cross to Group II winner Alkaadhem from stakes-winning Sadler’s Wells mare Balalaika.
He comes from the Bella Colora branch of the legendary Reprocolor family that is jam packed with high class Group performers.
