Last season’s champion two year old colt, Johannesburg, has been retired following a disappointing three year old campaign. Johannesburg was champion in the UK and USA.

The colt, who was unbeaten in seven starts last year, was winless in three starts this year. 

Johannesburg will stand alongside his sire, Hennessy and close relative Tale Of the Cat at Ashford Stud, Kentucky.

The colt, who hails from the family of Round Table, Robellino and champion Minardi, has yet to have a stud fee decided on. 

The highlight in Johannesburg’s campaign last year came in his last start, when he won the Breeders Cup Juvenile over a high class field which included Siphonic, Repent and the ever consistent, Came Home.

Trained by Aiden O’Brien, Johannesburg was coming off an unbeaten six win streak. This included Group 1 wins in the Prix Morny, Phoenix Stakes and Middle Park Stakes.

His three year old season started off with a shock defeat by the classy filly Rebelline in the Gladness Stakes. He then ran eighth behind War Emblem in the Kentucky Derby. This was followed by his disappointing run at Royal Ascot, behind Malhub.