Masar,
the first horse to win the Derby carrying the blue silks of Godolphin, has been
retired to join the Darley stallion roster.
Masar
The son of New Approach defeated Dee Ex
Bee, Roaring Lion and Kew Gardens to win the Epsom Derby last year but has
failed to match that form in two starts this year since returning from injury.
After finishing an honourable fifth in the Group II Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot
on his return, Masar came home last of six in the Group II Princess Of Wales's
Stakes at Newmarket last Thursday and trainer Charlie Appleby said in a
statement Masar has come out of his last race sound but the decision has been
made to retire.
"First and foremost, Masar has come out his Newmarket race well but after
deep discussions with his highness Sheikh Mohammed we have decided to do what's
right for the horse and retire him," Appleby said.
"He gave us all an amazing day when winning the Derby, when he was the
first to win it in the blue colours and gave me my first domestic Classic win
as a trainer.
"Before that, he had run out a high-class winner of both the Solario and
the Craven Stakes.
"Masar will be sorely missed at Moulton Paddocks but he will be joining
another great performer of ours, Blue Point, on the Darley stallion roster in
the near future."