Zoustar misses Royal Ascot and Heads to stud

Zoustar held entries in both Group 1 sprints at the Royal meeting, the Diamond Jubilee and King's Stand Stakes. Instead, Australia's champion three-year-old sprinter will return home to begin his career as a stallion standing at Widden Stud, Victoria.

Zoustar's trainer, Chris Waller, explained the situation, saying: "It is extremely disappointing that we are not able to compete at Royal Ascot and the owners and I are devastated by this. The horse had travelled extremely well to England and for me personally it was the start of what would have been the experience of a lifetime. To have a horse the calibre of Zoustar to not only race in England but at Royal Ascot would have clearly been a highlight for me.

"A minor problem was detected following his first serious pace work and scans overnight revealed he has a very small strain to a lateral aspect of the proximal suspensory ligament - as a result his work load needs to be reduced and he needs time off for the area to rest and recover.

"To be informed of the news that Zoustar will not be able to run has been simply shattering as I was confident we had the right horse to do Australia proud. I know myself this horse is the real deal. The owners had already planned his retirement this season at Widden Stud where I am sure he will be very popular with breeders."

Zoustar has been based with Charlie Hills in Lambourn, and Waller paid tribute to the hospitality and generosity shown by the trainer and his team of staff. He also thanked Jockey Club Estates for the quality of the training facilities made available in Lambourn and to Ascot Racecourse for their assistance and support.

He went on to say: "Looking back to his run in the Canterbury Stakes in March where he was clearly below his best, Jim Cassidy reported that the horse was not happy in the ground and changed legs several times and post-race he was mildly lame in behind. Looking at it now it could have been a problem that was underlying but with that said wasn't identified in a thorough veterinary examination, including radiograph and nuclear scintigraphy and realistically there was no indication of this injury, which could have been in its early stages.

"The big positive I can take out of all of this is the fact I have been fortunate enough to be involved with an exceptionally talented racehorse and win two Group 1 races. His ability, attitude and physical attributes as well as his gentlemanly temperament make him a tremendously special horse to me."