IT is only nine months or so since Victor Connolly announced the retirement from stud duties of Shantou. Now comes news of the bay’s passing, at the great age of 28. The classic winner, and multiple Grade 1 sire, has been a major success story for Connolly and his Burgage Stud.

Such is the longevity of the 1996 classic winner’s career that he was the first classic winner for John Gosden. Shantou won the St Leger at Doncaster in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed, Frankie Dettori sporting the maroon silks.