Sheikh Mohammed homebred Exosphere has been retired from racing and will commence his stud career at Darley Kelvinside, NSW, later this year.

The decision was taken by trainer John O’Shea and Godolphin executives after the colt didn’t emerge well from the G1 T J Smith Stakes on April 2.  He’s been in light work at Osborne Park and will be sent to Scone in the coming week.

Exosphere (3c Lonhro – Altitude by Danzero) retires as the highest-ranked three-year-old of the year with a Timeform rating just one pound behind Winx.  “He’s a magnificent individual with enormous natural talent,” O’Shea said.

A Group 2 win in the Skyline Stakes at Warwick Farm at two was the forerunner to a sensational spring at three starting with the G2 Run To The Rose beating Press Statement, Holler and Japonisme.

He then clocked the fastest-ever G1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill before capping the hat-trick with another record-breaking time in the G2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

“Exosphere retires with an extraordinary race record and is an exciting stallion of the future,” Godolphin director Henry Plumptre said.  “Because of his unusual size and bulk, he had training issues, but he managed to put together a string of outstanding performances.”

EXOSPHERE