Perth stakes winner Proart has been retired to stud.  The Rock Of Gibraltar stallion signed off on a winning note with a Listed victory in the Bunbury Stakes in March.

Proart (6h Rock Of Gibraltar – Beaux Art by Nomrood) began his career with two late-season juvenile wins at Belmont in 2007.  He was put away for a classic campaign but ultimately failed in the 2008 G1 WATC Derby won by visiting filly Grand Journey.

Connections could have been forgiven for attempting a trip with the colt.  His dam Beaux Art was the champion filly of her generation in Perth winning the 1994 WA Derby and WA Oaks.  She transferred east and won an AJC St Leger, MVRC Feehan Stakes and was placed in a Caulfield Cup, Turnbull Stakes and Sydney Cup.

Proart returned as a four year old winning three races up to 1600m including a brilliant four length victory in the Lord Mayors Cup followed by a demolition job in the G3 Scahill Stakes at weight for age.

Proart was racing as well as ever this year.  He won the Bunbury Stakes after tracking front-runner Mekong Miss and then taking a split in the straight to defeat Speccio (Kendel Star) in an exciting finish.

Rock Of Gibraltar (Danehill) is the sire of sires Murtajill (Patinack Farm) and Pillar Of Hercules (Grange Thoroughbreds) and his current crops of juveniles includes Peter Moody’s stakes winning colt Golden Archer.

Proart’s dam Beaux Art has foaled Listed WA St Leger winner Imaginaire (Fusaichi Pegasus) and Patinack stakes performer Shamardashing (Shamardal).  

Her 3yo is the Adam Durrant trained filly So Sharp It Hurts (Fusaichi Pegasus) who was a Bunbury maiden winner in December.  Her 2yo is an unraced Encosta de Lago colt named Fantauzzo.

Beaux Art is also the second dam of LR Placid Ark Stakes winner Liquidation (Giant’s Causeway).

Former Multiplex trainer David Edwards announced Proart’s retirement in a press release posted on the Perth Racing website this week.  Edwards can be contacted on 0418 973 339