O'Brien Classic and Sussex Stakes winner retired to stud

The Gurkha (near side) gets the better of Galileo Gold to land the Qatar Sussex StakesCredit: Mark Cranham

Aidan O'Brien yesterday paid tribute to Classic winner The Gurkha, after connections decided he would not race again having suffered a displaced colon a little more than two weeks after a thrilling success in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes in July.

Although reported to have recovered well from colic surgery in August, the decision was taken to call time on a short but highly successful career to take up stallion duties in 2017.

O'Brien said: "From day one he showed us he was a top-class colt. He was always a beautiful mover and physically he was a great shape.

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Lewis PorteousReporter

Published on 21 September 2016inNews

Last updated 18:40, 21 September 2016

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