Pinatubo retired to stud

Trainer Charlie Appleby has confirmed stable star Pinatubo has been retired to stand at Dalham Hall Stud.

Last year’s champion juvenile enjoyed a perfect two-year-old campaign after winning every one of his six races.

Victories at Wolverhampton, Epsom, Ascot, Goodwood, the Curragh and Newmarket saw Pinatubo’s stock rise as he was handed a rating of 128 – the highest juvenile figure since Celtic Swing in 1994.

Appleby’s charge lost his unbeaten run in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in June, before he then finished second in the St James’ Palace Stakes.

Pinatubo returned to winning ways at Deauville in the Group One Prix Jean Prat, before finishing runner-up in the Prix du Moulin behind Persian King at the beginning of September.

Owners Godolphin have now made the decision to retire the fan favourite and Appleby says it was one of the highlights of his career to work with Pinatubo.

He told www.godolphin.com: “It has been a great honour and privilege to train a horse of this calibre and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has taken great pleasure in following his career.

“To have a homebred, especially a descendent of the late Shamardal, is fantastic for the breeding operation and we look forward to seeing him stand at Dalham Hall Stud.”