Darley has retired its champion filly Questing (GB) and pensioned champion sire Quiet American (USA).

Questing (Hard Spun) won on debut at Newbury in June 2011 and was also placed at G3 level at Goodwood and Newmarket.  Transferred Stateside, she was accorded 2012 Champion 3YO Filly honours after G1 victories in the American Oaks and Alabama Stakes by a combined 13 lengths.

A Darley statement indicated Questing emerged from hind-leg surgery successfully late last year but developed a lingering case of pneumonia while preparing for a return to training.  She will be bred to Darley stallion Bernardini.

Sheikh Mohammed has removed Quiet American from his Lexington roster at Jonabell Farm.  The 27 year-old son of Fappiano has sired 56 stakes winners topped by 1997 Champion Mare Hidden Lake and 1998 Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet.

A $300,000 Darley buy at the 1987 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Sale, he excelled as a four year-old winning the G1 NYRA Mile before entering stud in 1990.  “His retirement marks the end of an era,” Darley spokesman Charlie Boden said.  “He has been a special horse from the beginning and has done it all.  Now he’s emerging as one of our most sought-after broodmare sires.”

As a broodmare sire, Quiet American’s is represented by champion racehorse and leading sire Bernardini and Horse of the Year Saint Liam.