Denman and Time Thief retired to stud

By Godolphin and

Star sprinter Denman and the brilliant Time Thief have been retired from racing and will return to Australia to stand at Darley's Kelvinside stud in NSW's Hunter Valley in the forthcoming breeding season.Lonhro's best son, Denman won nine of his twelve starts when trained by Peter Snowden - six of those at stakes level including the Group One Golden Rose.The colt was purchased by Godolphin and was to race in Europe before taking up his stud duties and next weekend's Group One July Cup at Newmark

Lonhro's best son, Denman won nine of his twelve starts when trained by Peter Snowden - six of those at stakes level including the Group One Golden Rose.

The colt was purchased by Godolphin and was to race in Europe before taking up his stud duties and next weekend's Group One July Cup at Newmarket had been the target.

"The idea was to come over here for that race, but we've run out of time with him and he's not fit enough for the race," Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford told the Racing Post.

"He was due to go straight into quarantine straight after the July meeting and we haven't time to find another race for him.

"It was always the plan for him to return to the southern hemisphere to take up stud duties and that is what will happen."

Denman captured the imagination of Australian racing enthusiasts last year with his striking resemblance in looks and ability to that of his champion father Lonhro.

Time Thief, a $2 million yearling, Zeditave Stakes winner and multiple Group One-placed son of Redoute's Choice, defeated 13 Group One winners during his career including Whobegotyou, Weekend Hussler, All American and Nicconi.

The regally-bred four-year-old is from Procrastinate, making him a three-quarter brother to Foreplay who has already made a significant impact at stud siring Decision Time who ran second in this year's Golden Slipper.

"Denman was a wonderful racehorse for Sheikh Mohammed, Darley and the racing fans here in Australia last year," Henry Plumptre, Darley's managing director in Australia, said.

"He will continue the legacy of his father Lonhro who is now a leading stallion and it's wonderful to be standing him.

"Equally, we are delighted Time Thief will be joining the Darley roster. He is a beautiful horse and is from one of the best families in our stud book.

"Time Thief was a very smart racehorse having won at stakes level and placing in the Caulfield Guineas and Australia Stakes.

"We are delighted to be offering both stallions to breeders for the forthcoming breeding season."

Denman will stand at a fee of $38,500 including GST and Time Thief for $13,750.