Last season’s New Zealand Champion Two-Year-Old Sword of State has been retired from racing.
A fortnight ago, the Group One-winning son of Snitzel kicked off his Queensland campaign with a runner-up effort in the Gr.3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).
While he was destined to compete in the Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) next week, the decision has been made to retire him to stud following an elevated temperature.
“Unfortunately, Sword of State spiked a temperature that has required rigorous antibiotic treatment,” Te Akau Principal David Ellis said.
“This obviously impacts the build-up to his Group 1 target, next Saturday’s Kingsford Smith Cup, so the tough decision has been made to retire him to stud.
“It’s very disappointing for Cambridge Stud and his ownership team as the colt is currently in career best form.
“He’s a very, very good horse and we were looking forward to him showing his undoubted ability in Queensland. Our trainer Mark Walker was confident Sword of State would prove highly competitive in the Group One next weekend.
“We are however very much looking forward to the next chapter for Sword of State who now heads to Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s world-class Cambridge Stud.
“He will be an exciting addition to its roster, and standing at Cambridge Stud will give him the very best opportunity of success.”
Sword of State was purchased by Ellis as a yearling in Australia for A$600,000.
Owned by Cambridge Stud and the Te Akau 2020 Colt Breeding Syndicate, he raced 11 times for six wins, including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), Gr.3 King’s Plate (1200m), and Gr.3 Waikato Stud Slipper (1200m).
