Godolphin’s Derby hero Masar retires from racing

Masar, expertly handled by Charlie Appleby and thrilling winner of the 2018 Derby, has been retired from racing.

A Godolphin homebred and a son of Derby winner New Approach, Masar made a winning debut at Goodwood in May of his juvenile campaign when defeating future G2-winning sprinter Invincible Army. After a third in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, he easily landed the G3 Solario Stakes at Sandown in a quick time, when beating the future Classic winner Romanised by two lengths. He rounded off his season with a third in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere before an unlucky sixth at the Breeders’ Cup.

After wintering in Dubai, Masar easily landed the G3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket by nine lengths, with future four-time G1 winner Roaring Lion finishing in third. Back at Newmarket at the start of May, Masar ran a close third in the G1 2,000 Guineas.

His career highlight though came at Epsom when he became the first winner to carry the Godolphin blue in the Blue Riband, when beating Dee Ex Bee, Roaring Lion and Saxon Warrior by upwards of one and a half lengths.

Charlie Appleby commented “Masar gave us a wonderful day at Epsom last year when he beat Roaring Lion to become the first Derby winner in the Godolphin blue.

"He has come out of his last race in good order, but we feel he owes us nothing and the time is right to retire him from racing.

"He will be missed by all the team at Moulton Paddocks and I am sure he will be a great addition to the Darley stallion roster."

A decision about his stud future will be made in due course.