The retirement to stud has been announced of a Godolphin-owned Group I winning sprinter.
Last year's Group I Golden Rose winner Astern has run his last race and will stand alongside his sire at Kelvinside Stud in the Hunter Valley.
Trainer John O'Shea said in a statement the son of Medaglia d'Oro is the best colt he has trained.
"He's the best colt I've ever trained by far and away in terms of ability and we are very lucky to have put a saddle on his back.
"He had a wonderful demeanour, explosive turn of speed and he was prominent in our thoughts as soon as he entered the stable.
"His three-year-old spring was destructive with his win in the Group I Golden Rose stamping him as the dominant three-year-old in the country.
"I think he will be an outstanding stallion because he will throw horses with great temperament and good speed.
"Most commercial breeders want a horse that presents very well and looks the part and if he throws them in the image of himself he's going to have all those things."
He retires the winner of five of his nine starts. In addition to his
A stud fee for Astern will be announced at a later date.
