Godolphin Royal Ascot star Doyen retired to stud

Doyen, the runaway winner of last year's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Royal Ascot, has been retired to Darley's Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket.

Darley said a stud fee will be announced later this year. Doyen's career record stands at five wins and two seconds from 14 starts. He has won over £700,000 (Dh2.5 million) in prize money.

Owned by Godolphin, the five-year-old ended 2004 rated the best turf horse in the world. But he failed to reproduce that sparkling form this season when disappointing in three starts.

Commenting on Doyen's retirement, his trainer Saeed Bin Surour commented yesterday: "Doyen was a star last year, one of the best Godolphin horses. He was the impressive winner of both the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and the Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot.

"When he broke the track record in the Hardwicke, he was on the bridle all the way. His blend of speed and stamina should appeal to breeders."

Sam Bullard, head of nominations at Darley, said: "Doyen's two Ascot wins were thrillingly memorable. He was supreme that summer, and it's a great pity he never rediscovered that sparkle.

"But, at his best, he was just about as good as they get. And he's a really good looking horse too, and one with a magnificent pedigree. We were very fortunate to stand In The Wings, who was a tremendous stallion son of Sadler's Wells, and we're hopeful Doyen, who's right out of the Montjeu mould, can do even better," Bullard added.