Pinatubo to miss Australian season due to viral eye infection

Champion two-year-old Pinatubo will not travel to Australia for the upcoming breeding season as a viral eye infection has not cleared up in time.

The sizzling winner of three Group 1s has just concluded his first year as part of the Dalham Hall Stud roster and it was announced in March that he would be heading to Kelvinside in New South Wales alongside other Godolphin stars Ghaiyyath and Earthlight.

Godolphin Australia’s managing director, Vin Cox, said: "It’s extremely disappointing for our clients and the team at Darley, however, we must first and foremost consider what is best for the horse and the overwhelming conclusion, and based on vets’ advice, was for Pinatubo to remain at Dalham Hall Stud where they’re able to manage his treatment and get him right for next season.

"We thank our clients for their support of this horse since his announcement. The legacy Shamardal is leaving through the likes of proven sire sons such as Lope de Vega is incredible and we’re fortunate to be able to offer two sons who, like Pinatubo, were champion racehorses in their own right, on our roster this season in Blue Point and Earthlight.

"Just because Pinatubo is unable to make the journey this season certainly doesn’t rule him out for next season and we look forward to him joining our roster in 2022."

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