Darley Pensions Successful Sire Cape Cross

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Photo: Courtesy Darley
Cape Cross

Cape Cross, sire of last year's English Derby (Eng-I) and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) winner Golden Horn, has been retired from the Darley stallion roster following an illustrious career at stud.

The 22-year-old son of Green Desert, who had been standing in Ireland, has suffered fertility problems this season.

"We are approaching the end of March and he has failed to get a mare in foal, so it has been decided that he should be retired from stallion duties," said Darley's director of stallions Sam Bullard. "Breeders have been kept informed throughout."

Apart from Golden Horn, he sired European Horse of the Year and Epsom Derby (Eng-I) winner Sea The Stars and the multiple classic winner Ouija Board, a two-time U.S. champion. Cape Cross finished as England's leading sire in 2009.

The eight champions by Cape Cross have earned champion or highweight honors in England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

Cape Cross retired to stud in 2000 after ending his racing days with a fine record of five wins from 19 starts, which included victory in the 1998 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes (Eng-I).