O'Brien-trained Starspangledbanner retired to stud

Royal Ascot winner and European champion sprinter-elect Starspangledbanner has been retired to stud at Coolmore for the 2011 season.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old proved a huge hit following his transfer from Australia, winning the Golden Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting and following up in the July Cup at Newmarket.

Already a winner at the top level over a variety of trips Down Under, the chestnut was also second in the Nunthorpe at York before finishing fifth in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Coolmore's Eddie Fitzpatrick said: "Starspangledbanner is a very imposing individual with a strong page and is rated a superior sprinter to his sire Choisir.

"Aidan was completely blown away by the times he was clocking in his work prior to Royal Ascot and he showed that brilliant speed in both the Golden Jubilee and the July Cup."

O'Brien, who trained two European champion sprinters in Mozart and Stravinsky, said: "Starspangledbanner is an incredible horse - the fastest we've ever had here. It was a great pleasure to have him."

Coolmore's Christy Grassick added: "I am certain breeders will be most impressed when they come to see him and he has the advantage of being a virtual outcross for the vast majority of mares here."