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Derby-winner Masar retired to stud

MasarMasar
© Photo Healy Racing

Charlie Appleby paid tribute to Masar after confirming the retirement of last year’s Investec Derby hero.

The New Approach colt became the first horse to carry the royal blue silks of Godolphin to victory in the the premier Classic at Epsom last season, but a leg injury kept him off the track for the remainder of the campaign.

Masar made his long-awaited return in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month — and performed with credit to finish fifth after stumbling soon after the stalls opened.

However, he disappointed when a hot favourite for last week’s Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket — trailing home last of six runners — and connections have now decided to call time on his racing career.

Appleby told PA: “After deep discussions with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, the decision has been made to retire Masar.

“He’s a horse who has given us many great days, including a day at Epsom last June that none of us will ever forget.

“From a personal point of view, he was my first Classic winner — and while it will be sad to see him leave the yard, we have to do what is the right thing for the horse, and I’m pleased he’s retiring from racing fit and well.”

Masar is the second Appleby-trained star to be retired in a matter of weeks after Blue Point went out in a blaze of glory at Royal Ascot — becoming the first horse since Choisir in 2003 to complete the King’s Stand-Diamond Jubilee double.

The trainer added: “Masar will join the Darley roster, along with Blue Point. He won the Solario Stakes as a two-year-old, was so impressive in the Craven — and in the Derby he beat multiple Group One winners like Roaring Lion and Kew Gardens, as well as Dee Ex Bee, who is doing great this year.

“I’m sure he’ll follow in his father’s footsteps and enjoy an excellent career as a stallion.”