Camelot, Declaration of War to shuttle to Australia

First-year Coolmore stallions Camelot and Declaration of War will be among the international breeding operation's shuttle stallions to Coolmore Australia in New South Wales for the 2014 Southern Hemisphere breeding season.

Three-time classic winner Camelot, a son of Montjeu, and multiple Group 1 winner Declaration of War, by War Front, began their stud careers earlier this year at Coolmore's headquarters in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Declaration of War is the most expensive stallion advertised on the roster, at 40,000 Euros (about $55,066); Camelot stands for 25,000 Euros ($34,420).

“These are two champions with all the necessary qualities to further strengthen our roster,” Coolmore Australia’s Tom Magnier said.

Declaration of War won a pair of Group 1 events in 2013 – the Queen Anne Stakes, at the famed Royal Ascot meeting, and the Juddmonte International Stakes – to establish himself among the top runners in Europe. He concluded his career with a third-place effort in the Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park, his only start on dirt.

“Declaration of War is a horse we just had to have at Coolmore Australia," the farm's general manager Michael Kirwan said. "He was a fabulous racehorse – a dual Group 1 winner who was as tough and sound as you could wish for. His sire, War Front, has made a start to his stud career reminiscent of his own sire Danzig, so it’s a hugely exciting new branch of an already established bloodline."

A Group 1 winner as a juvenile, Camelot captured the English 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and Irish Derby in 2012 for a classic triple. He finished second in the English St. Leger in his attempt to become the first English Triple Crown winner since 1970.

“Camelot was a wonderful racehorse and he’s as good-looking a horse as has ever been retired to Coolmore," Magnier said.

Australian fees for both Declaration of War and Camelot will be announced at a later date.