Shamardal to Australia

Shamardal, retired on the eve of his expected clash with Motivator in the Eclipse Stakes two Saturdays ago, is being rushed into stallion duty in time for Australia's Southern Hemisphere stud season.

A 3-year-old son of Giant's Causeway who is owned by Godolphin, Shamardal won four Group 1 races, among them the classic Poule d'Essai des Poulains, or French 2000 Guineas, and the Prix du Jockey-Club, or French Derby. He will begin his new career at Darley Australia, part of Sheikh Mohammed's worldwide operation, in August. Europe's champion juvenile in 2004, he will stand for a fee of $40,700 live foal.

Plans for Shamardal's first Northern Hemisphere season have not been made.