Group 1 galloper Dunkirk has been retired and added to the stallion roster at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky.  He will stand at US$10,000.

A son of Unbridled’s Song and Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Status, Dunkirk was purchased for US$3.7 million by Demi O’Byrne at Keeneland September to become the most expensive yearling sold at auction in 2007.

He won impressively on debut at Gulfstream Park before going up in class and finishing runner-up to Quality Road in the G1 Florida Derby and to Summer Bird in the G1 Belmont Stakes.

Dunkirk suffered a fractured cannon bone during the Belmont and underwent surgery, but didn’t made a full recovery.  “It’s a pity Dunkirk had to retire, as we all expected he would have a huge year on the track in 2010,” Ashford Stud manager Dermot Ryan said.

“On the other hand it’s great to be able to stand a horse like him, with his combination of great ability, fantastic looks and a top-notch pedigree.  He’s by Unbridled’s Song, who has been so consistent that his fee has stood at $100,000 or more for eight consecutive years.

“Also, his pedigree contains the same major components– Unbridled and A.P. Indy – as Tapit who has done so well that his fee has quadrupled to $50,000 in the space of three years.  We think Dunkirk is great value at $10,000.”