Marju pensioned in Ireland

Former shuttler Marju has been retired from stud duties by Derrinstown Stud in County Kildare.  

The 23 year-old stallion stood at Ra Ora Stud (NZ) and Collingrove (Australia) in 2000 and 2001.  His sole southern bred G1 winner was Marju Snip (SAJC Australasian Oaks).

Marju (Last Tycoon) was trained by John Dunlop for Sheikh Hamdan and won by six lengths on debut at York as a September two year-old.

A three-quarter brother to champion filly Salsabil, he was runner-up to Generous in the 1991 English Derby before landing the G1 St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Marju sired the G1 winning fillies My Emma (Prix Vermeille & Yorkshire Oaks) and Sil Sila (Prix de Diane) in his first crop.

Soviet Song was his best filly.  She won four G1 events including two editions of the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

Hong Kong superstar Viva Pataca was another of his Irish bred G1 winners and, as a broodmare sire, his best representative to date has been Canford Cliffs.

“Age has finally caught up with him,” Derrinstown Stud’s Stephen Collins said.  “He has been a wonderfully consistent stallion and a pleasure to deal with.  He will be a hard act to follow.”