News

Sebring Officially Retired to Widden

27th Jan 2009

Breednet - Media Release - Wednesday, 28 January 2009

Golden Slipper winner and last season’s Champion Two Year Old Sebring has been officially retired from racing and will head to Widden Stud for the 2009 Breeding Season.

“Sebring was having his final hit out on Tuesday morning prior to a barrier trial on Friday to ascertain his level of fitness, but worked below his normal standard with his rider reporting he was not happy with the horse,” said Antony Thompson.

“Sebring was later examined by Jonathan Lumsden at Randwick Equine Hospital, who diagnosed a re-occurring soundness issue requiring a minimum eight weeks spell.

“Given the timing of this minor setback and the fact a delayed preparation could impede on the start of his stud career in the spring, we have decided it is in the shareholders best interests for Sebring to be retired immediately.”

Sebring (pictured) will be the fifth Golden Slipper winner to stand at Widden, following in the illustrious footsteps of Todman, Vain and Marscay – all champion sires in their own right - as well as the 2005 winner Stratum, whose oldest progeny are now impressive yearlings selling for up to $370,000 at sales this year.

A son of outstanding Halo line sire More Than Ready (USA), Sebring was the dominant juvenile last season winning five of six starts and in excess of $2.5 million in prizemoney highlighted by his memorable victories in the Group One STC Golden Slipper Stakes and Group One AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes.

He comes from a family steeped in Golden Slipper tradition, his first two dams by Golden Slipper winners Flying Spur and Luskin Star, while his tail female line traces to Red Lace, grand-dam of Golden Slipper winner Baguette.

“Sebring is the most sought after stallion prospect to emerge in a very long time and we are thrilled that his owners chose Widden as the farm to give their horse the best possible home and we now look forward to his arrival next week,” said Thompson.

A remarkable success story for Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds, who purchased and syndicated the handsome chestnut colt during the darkest days of EI, Sebring brought the thrill of a lifetime to his many owners and will be farewelled in style from Tulloch Lodge this Sunday.

No stud fee has been set with an announcement to be made in early April.

Widden Release.