Blue Point 'owes us nothing,' retires after Royal Ascot double

Blue Point, who became the first European-trained horse in almost 100 years to win both the King’s Stand (G1) and Diamond Jubilee (G1) in the same week at Royal Ascot, has retired and will join the Darley stallion roster, Godolphin announced Monday.

A 5-year-old flagbearer for Team Godolphin for four consecutive seasons, Blue Point won 11 of his 20 starts. His other notable victories include last year’s King’s Stand, the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) on Dubai World Cup night earlier this year, plus a further five wins at the group level.

“Blue Point has had a fantastic week and has managed to succeed where many horses have failed in completing this extraordinary double," said trainer Charlie Appleby, who saddled Blue Point for the first such Royal Ascot double since Choisir swept the King's Stand and Diamond Jubilee, both turf sprints, in 2003

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was very much the instigator behind going for the challenge and was delighted when he won as he had been planning this for some time.

“Blue Point is sound and well, but owes us nothing so we will retire him on a high. He will now enjoy a break over the summer and will then begin his new career at stud.

“He will be missed by everyone in the yard, and I would like to thank the entire team at Moulton Paddocks, without whom none of this would have been possible.

“Blue Point has a fantastic mind, is a natural athlete and was a pleasure to train. I have every confidence he will, like his sire Shamardal, be a huge success as a stallion.”