Coolmore champion Starspangledbanner will miss the 2010 southern hemisphere breeding season to remain in training with trainer Aidan O’Brien.

“Starspangledbanner will race on this year,” Coolmore Australia general manager Michael Kirwan said.  “On the basis of his devastating wins in both the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot and in the July Cup, it is evident that the horse is still improving.

“Starspangledbanner is a tremendous ambassador for Australian racing and breeding and it would seem premature to retire a horse of his calibre.  He’s a special horse and Aidan is keen to pursue further opportunities with him.”

Starspangledbanner (Choisir) was sold to Coolmore earlier this year for a reported AUD 10 million.  It was initially intended to give him a short northern hemisphere campaign before launching a stud career in the Hunter Valley later this year.  Instead, his immediate future could entail a trip from Ballydoyle to Churchill Downs for the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.