Group 1 Cox Plate – Australian Guineas winner Shamus Award has been retired to stand at Widden Stud.

A son of Redoute’s Choice sire Snitzel, he downed a field of seasoned Group 1 stars in Australasia’s WFA Championship in October and then created history by becoming the first horse to complete the Australian Guineas double in March.

The Danny O’Brien trained colt joins fellow newcomer Zoustar who also made history as the first 3yo to win the G1 Golden Rose – G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes double.

“Shamus Award is one of those rare athletes that combined brilliant speed and heartbreaking stamina when required,” Widden Stud’s Antony Thompson said.  “To be honest, it feels a little like déjà vu, starting off two young stallions together that we believe are the best sire prospects in the land.

“We did it a few years ago with Sebring and Northern Meteor which proved incredibly successful, so I had no hesitation in seizing the opportunity to do the same again this year.”

A stunning individual, Shamus Award will stand for $27,500 (inc gst) while Zoustar (Northern Meteor) starts stud life for a $44,000 (inc gst) fee.