Melbourne Cup hero Dunaden has been retired after injuring himself in training. The now eight-year-old French-trained star won the 2011 Melbourne Cup, then came back to Australia the following year to win the Caulfield Cup.
He was also successful internationally at the highest level in the Hong Kong Vase in 2011 and he won Group races in France, the UK, Dubai and Japan.
Trainer Mikel Delzangles told the Racing Post overnight:
"Dunaden will be very missed by all of us in the yard, but we are so proud of what he has achieved and very happy that he will get to stand at stud.
"He always showed us that anything is possible when you have a big heart.
"I owe him so much, much more than just victories. He is a once-in-a-lifetime horse."
Racing Victoria's Leigh Jordon also praised Dunaden:
"Dunaden won the Melbourne Cup, becoming the second French-trained winner of the race and then came back the following year to win the Caulfield Cup.
"It was probably one of the most scintillating performances in winning the Caulfield Cup as he came from last on the bend to power up the straight.
"For Sheikh Fahad he has been a cornerstone horse, but probably for Australia as well, he was a real crowd favourite.
"He is one of the most popular and recognised horses in Australia. It's sad to see him retired but he has done a fantastic job for Sheikh Fahad," Jordon said.
Owner Sheikh Fahad was quoted as saying:
"In winning the Melbourne Cup, Dunaden gave me the most exciting day's racing I have ever had.
"He has been a dream horse to own.
"He has taken us all over the world from Europe to Dubai, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia and every time he tries his heart out and runs his race."