Jeremy Noseda's smart middle-distance performer Sixties Icon has been retired after his below-par run in the Japan Cup and will head off for a stallion career at Norman Court Stud in Wiltshire.
Lightning fast conditions in Tokyo were to blame for his 13th place while things did not fall right when he was only fifth as a short-priced favourite in the Breeders' Cup Marathon.
But these were rare blips on a career which saw the five-year-old son of Galileo win eight times including four Group Threes, the Group Two Jockey Club Stakes and his crowning moment in the 2006 St Leger.
"Sixties Icon has been a great servant to Shalfleet and will always have a special place in my affections as he was my first English Classic winner," Noseda told his website.
"It has been a delight to have such a tough and honest horse with lots of ability. Most probably a couple of issues compromised him and just stopped him from realising his absolute full potential.
"But it was very satisfying for all connections that we were able to get him back winning Group races in 2008. We will certainly miss having a horse of his ability and stature around the yard."
Reflecting on the Japan Cup, Noseda added: "The race didn't pan out as we'd hoped but the ground was just much too fast for him. "He seems okay after the race and flies back in tomorrow."
