Connections have taken the surprise decision to retire Middle Park winner The Last Lion to stud.
The juvenile enjoyed a strong debut campaign, winning on four of his 10 starts, and was tipped for a strong season as a three-year following his Group 1 win at Newmarket last time out.
However, his owners have now taken the decision to retire the colt, who also took the honours in the Brocklesby, Dragon and Sirenia Stakes.
Trainer Mark Johnston had hoped for entries into the 2,000 Guineas and the Commonwealth Cup before the surprise call but says he understands the decision to end his competitive career and send him to stud.
“It is with mixed feelings that we say goodbye today to The Last Lion who is off to begin what I am sure will be a very successful career at stud,” Johnston told his website.
“Of course, as a trainer, I would have loved to have him next year and to see what he might do stepped up to a mile or in the top sprint races against his elders.
“I had every confidence that he would have trained on and done well but, at the same time, I am delighted for his owners and for the horse himself that he has done so well in such a very short space of time and that he is already in such demand for stud purposes.”
