Arrowfield has retired outstanding colt Beneteau and he will stand for an $11,000 fee this year.

Beneteau is a a handsome, athletic son of champion sire Redoute’s Choice from a sister to champion filly Alinghi.  He was a $1 million Blue Sky Thoroughbreds purchase from the 2009 Inglis Easter yearling sale.  Ten months later, he burst into Golden Slipper calculations with a sparkling summer campaign in Sydney and Melbourne.

After winning his Australia Day debut at Randwick by almost three lengths, he easily accounted for the G3 MRC Blue Diamond Prelude.  Two weeks later he was a valiant third, beaten just over half a length by Star Witness, in the G1 MRC Blue Diamond after being forced extremely wide on the home turn.

He also put up a fine performance in the G1 STC Golden Slipper where he overcame early buffeting to finish strongly for fifth, just over two lengths from the winner Crystal Lily.  

Beneteau’s six-start career at two earned him a Timeform rating of 121, shared with Star Witness, Decision Time and Skilled, and second only to Crystal Lily (122).

A back injury suffered in the paddock during a subsequent spell continued to affect Beneteau when he returned to training.  It caused the postponement of campaigns aimed at the Caulfield and Randwick Guineas.  A Brisbane campaign was then planned, until the decision was made earlier this week to retire him to stud.

“He is the most naturally gifted racehorse I have trained so far,” Paul Messara explained.  “His talent, great looks and generous character have made him a stable star from day one.”

Arrowfield Stud’s chairman John Messara said it was disappointing to retire Beneteau because he hadn’t had the chance to display the full measure of his talent on the racecourse.  “However, the example of sensational young sire Not A Single Doubt, who retired as a Listed Stakes winner and began his career at a similar fee, gives us great confidence in Beneteau.

“We certainly saw enough of him to be sure he possesses all the qualities we seek in stallions.  We have also taken enough bookings to him already to be sure he will receive every opportunity to impart them.”

2011 ARROWFIELD ROSTER

ALL AMERICAN   $16,500
BENETEAU   $11,000
CHARGE FORWARD   $33,000
DANZERO   $11,000
FLYING SPUR   $49,500

MANHATTAN RAIN   $41,250
NOT A SINGLE DOUBT   $24,750
REDOUTE’S CHOICE   $137,500
SNITZEL   $27,500
STARCRAFT (NZ)   $44,000

All fees (inc gst)
Free return – conditions apply