Connections of Group 1 winning European import Russian Camelot have made the heart-breaking decision to retire the four-year-old after he suffered a tendon injury in the All-Star Mile at The Valley.
The dual Group 1 winner has a slight-tear in his near-fore tendon and his immediate retirement sees connections weighing up a variety of stud opportunities which will be announced once finalised.
Purchased in the UK, Russian Camelot, by dual Derby winner Camelot, raced 11 times for the Danny O’Brien stable, registering four wins and five minor placings, collecting more than $2.3 million in prize money.
After a successful spring that saw Russian Camelot win the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield along with finishing third in the Cox Plate and eighth in the Melbourne Cup, Russian Camelot was aimed at a first-up tilt at the All-Star Mile last Saturday.
In an epic dual with Mugatoo, Russian Camelot, under Damien Oliver, finished second and connections were looking forward to a rematch in Sydney.
“He is a horse that turned up in any weather and under any conditions, gave his all and never let anyone down,” O’Brien said in a statement.
“He was just an outstanding racehorse.
“It’s a shame his career ends prematurely as I felt his best racing was ahead of him up in Sydney for the autumn and to next spring and beyond.
“However, I have no doubt he will have a significant impact on our industry for years to come through his stud career.”