Dual Classic Derby Winner Australia Retired

English and Irish classic winner Australia, the brilliant son of Galileo and U.S. and European champion Ouija Board, has been retired and will begin his stud career in 2015 at Coolmore Stud in Ireland.

 

The 3-year-old colt developed a problem with his right hind foot, jeopardizing his preparations for Champions Day Oct. 18 at Ascot, Coolmore said on its website in making the announcement Oct. 11. He was pointing to the QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-I) at one mile but also had the option of the QIPCO Champion Stakes (Eng-I) at 1 1/4 miles, both on Champions Day.

 

Australia compiled a 5-2-1 record from eight career starts that included victories this year in the Investec Epsom Derby (Eng-I), Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Ire-I), and Juddmonte International (Eng-I). In his most recent start, he was second by a neck to late-running The Grey Gatsby in the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-I) Sept. 13 at the Curragh.

 

Bred in Great Britain by Lord Derby's Stanley Estate Co. and Stud, Australia was campaigned by Coolmore's Susan Magnier and partners Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor in partnership with Malaysian billionaire Teo Ah Khing. Consigned by Watership Down Stud, acting as agent at the 2012 Tattersalls October yearling sale, he was offered in the prestigious Book 1 catalog. Australia was bought by Coolmore bloodstock adviser Demi O'Byrne for 525,000 guineas ($841,313).

Australia shot to the head of the betting for the Investec Epsom Derby after defeating highly regarded Free Eagle by six lengths in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Trial Stakes (Ire-III) last September at Leopardstown to conclude his 2-year-old campaign. Returning in the QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) in May at Newmarket he was unlucky in being headed close to home by Night of Thunder and Kingman, but followed with three consecutive group I wins in the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby and the Juddmonte International.

 

"From very early days we thought Australia was as good as any horse we have ever had here and nothing has happened to change our view," said trainer Aidan O'Brien. "He's unique."

 

"While it's very disappointing that we won't get to see him in action again at Ascot, we're delighted to have him retiring to Coolmore for 2015 to stand alongside his illustrious sire. He really has everything one would look for in a stallion," said Coolmore's director of sales David O'Loughlin.

 

A stud fee was not announced.