Group I Stars Retired After TJ

The Group I ATC TJ Smith Stakes has signalled the end of racing for two high profile multiple Group I winners in Shoals and Trapeze Artist, who will retire to Widden Stud.

Upon pulling-up after finishing seventh, the Gerald Ryan trained Trapeze Artist was found to have a large haematoma on his near side shoulder.

"That's it," Ryan said. "Bert (Vieira)said, 'enough is enough'.

"I'd say he's torn a muscle and it's haemorrhaged.

"He's been such a wonderful horse to all of us and I look forward to his first son or daughter to walk into my stables."

Trapeze Artist retires with the overall record of seven wins and four placings from 20 starts with earnings in excess of $5.5 million. His feature wins include the Group I ATC Golden Rose, TJ Smith Stakes (last year), All Aged Stakes and Canterbury Stakes.

Blue-blooded Fastnet Rock mare Shoals will also head to a stud career at Arrowfield Stud. Bred and retained to race by John Messara and Jonathan Munz, the daughter of Fastnet Rock won seven of 15 starts earning $2.5 million with highlight wins in the Group I VR Myer Classic, ATC Surround Stakes and SAJC Sangster Stakes.

"We have retired her this morning," assistant trainer Sam Freedman said on Sky Radio on Sunday morning.

"She has run her last race for us.

"She has been an amazing horse for us and has got incredible residual value at stud.

"She is small in stature but a big heart and put in 100 percent every start.

"You would love to have one of her every year in the stable."

The full brother to Shoals as the top lot at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale last year fetching $2.3 million. Named Groundswell and also trained by Anthony Freedman, he is yet to race.