Derby runner-up and high-class stayer Dee Ex Bee retired to stand at Arctic Tack

Dee Ex Bee, runner-up in the 2018 Derby and a high-class stayer for Mark Johnston, has been retired from racing and will stand at Arctic Tack Stud for the 2022 breeding season.

Godolphin's homebred son of Farhh won on his first start at two and added another win alongside two Listed placings during his juvenile campaign, including when second to Kew Gardens in the Zetland Stakes at Newmarket.

Placed in both the Blue Riband Trial and Chester Vase, Dee Ex Bee found only Masar too good at Epsom - with Roaring Lion, Saxon Warrior and Kew Gardens in behind - while he was also Group 1-placed in the Grand Prix de Paris and Grosser Preis von Bayern.

At four, the colt proved a high-class stayer, winning the Sagaro and Henry II Stakes before finishing second to Stradivarius in the Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup. He was also third in the Prix du Cadran.

The six-year-old is the sixth foal out of the Seeking The Gold mare Dubai Sunrise, a full-sister to the outstanding Dubai Millennium. Dee Ex Bee is in turn a half-brother to three winners and hails from a family which boasts no fewer than 15 stallions in the first three generations.

Free of any Sadler's Wells blood, Dee Ex Bee will join a roster that includes Jet Away, who was one of the most popular stallions in Ireland when covering 279 mares this season.

Arctic Tack Stud’s Eoin Banville said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring Dee Ex Bee to Arctic Tack Stud to offer a valuable outcross for Irish breeders.

Dee Ex Bee: high-class performer on the trackCredit: Alan Crowhurst

“Dee Ex Bee’s talent was matched by his versatility, with his performances on ground described as good to firm all the way through to heavy and over a variety of trips.

“His sire has already demonstrated his value as a stallion and I have no doubt Dee Ex Bee will prove as popular and important as Jet Away in the coming years with us.

“This is an exciting time for the stud, given we are adding an outstanding stallion prospect to Jet Away, who continues to prove extremely popular year after year with Irish breeders.”

Johnston said: "Dee Ex Bee was the type of horse you dream of as a stayer. He had Group 1 quality, was tremendously versatile and ticked all the boxes physically.

"He competed against some of the very best horses around during his time in training and played his part in some tremendous races, including a Derby, Gold Cup at Ascot and a Goodwood Cup."

He added: "I'm delighted that he will have this opportunity at Arctic Tack Stud and have no doubt Irish breeders will benefit greatly from his presence.”

Dee Ex Bee will stand his debut season at stud for a fee of €3,500, while more information can be found at www.deeexbee.ie.

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