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Field Of Gold has been retired from racing after a bacterial lung infection ruled him out of a return to Group 1 competition this season, bringing the career of Europe’s champion three-year-old miler to an earlier-than-expected conclusion. Juddmonte confirmed the colt will recover fully but will instead be prepared for stud duties, where he will stand at the operation from 2027.
The setback prevented Field Of Gold from taking his place in the Lockinge Stakes and the Queen Anne Stakes, two races that had been identified as major targets. Although the prognosis for a full recovery is positive, connections determined that he would not be ready to compete again at the highest level this year, prompting the decision to retire him.
A Champion Career
Field Of Gold announced himself as a colt of exceptional promise during his juvenile campaign. After winning his maiden at Newmarket’s July meeting by three and a quarter lengths, he confirmed that impression with an authoritative success in the Solario Stakes (Gr.3).
His three-year-old season elevated him to the top of the European mile division. Victories in the Craven Stakes (Gr.3) and Irish 2000 Guineas (Gr.1) paved the way for his defining performance in the St James’s Palace Stakes (Gr.1) at Royal Ascot.
There he produced a decisive display to defeat French 2000 Guineas winner Henri Matisse while reversing previous form with 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court. The performance earned official ratings of OR 126 and TFR 132p, matching the figure achieved by his sire, Kingman, in the same race.
Trainer’s Assessment
Trainer John Gosden believes the colt possessed the qualities expected of an elite miler, highlighting both his physical attributes and his racing style.
“Field Of Gold combined speed, looks and class in bountiful measure. He possessed incredible acceleration and a superb action which he demonstrated in the St James’s Palace Stakes. A very powerful and well-balanced colt with a great temperament.”
That assessment is significant given the calibre of horses Gosden has trained throughout his career, underlining the regard in which Field Of Gold was held.
Stud Career Beckons
Field Of Gold will now join his sire Kingman on the Juddmonte stallion roster when he begins stud duties in 2027. His race record, championship title and elite mile ratings ensure he retires as one of the most accomplished colts of his generation and a stallion prospect that will attract considerable interest from breeders across Europe.
Image Royal Ascot