Star colt The Autumn Sun off to stud

The Autumn Sun has been retired to stand at Arrowfield Stud in the upcoming breeding season.

Five-time Group One winner The Autumn Sun has been retired and will stand his first season at Arrowfield Stud for $77,000.

Arrowfield boss John Messara has confirmed the decision not to race on next season has been made more compelling by the recent death of the colt’s sire Redoute’s Choice.

The stud owns The Autumn Sun in partnership with Hermitage Thoroughbreds with the joint venture to source mares in addition to those that had already been earmarked for Redoute’s Choice.

Trainer Chris Waller, who farewells champion Winx this week, had stated his case to take the colt to Royal Ascot and race on next season, but Messara said the loss of Redoute’s Choice was the deciding factor.

“We backed Redoute’s Choice as a sire of sires early in his career.” Messara said.

“We stand Snitzel and Not A Single Doubt, and Beneteau was also highly successful for us. That history makes the best colt by Redoute’s Choice an irresistible prospect.

“The quality of The Autumn Sun’s race record also reflects the skill and dedication of trainer Chris Waller and his team, and we’re very grateful for their care and management of him.”

The Autumn Sun retires with eight wins from nine starts.