Champion 2YO Sword of State Retired to Cambridge Stud

SWORD OF STATE RETIRED

Champion Two-Year-Old of 2020/21, Sword of State has been retired from racing.

A fortnight ago, the Group 1 winning son of Snitzel kicked off his Queensland campaign with a stirring effort for a bob-of-the-head second in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas.  It was a meritorious performance on track conditions not to his liking.

"Unfortunately, Sword of State spiked a temperature that has required rigorous antibiotic treatment.  This obviously impacts the build-up to his Group 1 target, next Saturday's Kingsford Smith Cup so the tough decision has been made to retire him to stud," said Te Akau Principal David Ellis CNZM.

"It's very disappointing for Cambridge Stud and his ownership team as the colt is currently in career best form.  He's a very, very good horse and we were looking forward to him showing his undoubted ability in Queensland. Our trainer Mark Walker was confident Sword of State would prove highly competitive in the Group 1 next weekend.

"We are however very much looking forward to the next chapter for Sword of State who now heads to Brendan and Jo Lindsay's world-class Cambridge Stud.  He will be an exciting addition to its roster, and standing at Cambridge Stud will give him the very best opportunity of success."

NOTE:

Sword of State was purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the Magic Millions' Gold Coast Sale for A$600,000.  Owned by Cambridge Stud and the Te Akau 2020 Colt Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), he raced 11 times for six wins - his career highlights being:

• Champion 2YO of the Year


• Winner - Group 1 Sistema Stakes


• Winner - Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy


• Winner - Group 3 Haunui Farm King's Plate


• Winner - Group 3 Waikato Stud Slipper