Songster, a New York graded stakes-winning sprinter this year and last, has been retired from racing. He will enter stud in 2008 at Sheikh Mohammed's Darley near Lexington. A fee will be announced later.
First or second in seven of eight races, 4-year-old Songster won this year's Bold Ruler Handicap (gr. III) at Belmont Park in such a way that Mike Watchmaker of Daily Racing Form listed the son of Songandaprayer in the top spot in his weekly divisional ratings for sprinters. Making his seasonal debut in the Bold Ruler, Songster ran the six furlongs in 1:08.80.
Songster also proved fast at seven furlongs. He captured last year's Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) over Too Much Bling in 1:21.45 at Belmont.
Songster also won last year's Hirsch Jacobs Stakes (gr. III) in 1:09.72 at Pimlico and ran second in the Amsterdam (gr. II) and Bay Shore (gr. III) Stakes. He enters stud with earnings of $367,740. He was trained first by Tom Albertrani and later by Saeed bin Suroor.
Charlie Boden, Darley's nominations manager, said, "It's disappointing Songster won't be able to challenge for championship honors, but he's a really exciting stallion prospect. He's great looking, a natural athlete, with top class form and commercial bloodlines."
Bred by Richard Giacopelli, Songster is the first foal from the French Deputy mare Peppy Lapeau and is from the female family of successful sire Slewpy.
Songster, who raced first for Darley and then for Godolphin, was retired because of a soft tissue injury.
