Racing: Top stud for headliner

It will be only a topline New Zealand stud that King's Chapel stands at, says managing owner David Ellis.

The reigning Horse Of The Year, King's Chapel was retired yesterday morning after a leg problem appeared.

The $917,367 winner was due to fly to Sydney to race on Saturday when trainer Mark Walker noticed the beginning of a problem in one leg.

Ellis said there have already been a lengthy list of expressions of interest in standing King's Chapel.

"Several of them have been from absolute top class studs.

"We'd like him to stand in New Zealand because that's where most of his winning was."

Ellis said it would probably be two weeks before a home was found for the stallion.

"The syndicate hasn't met yet to discuss our priorities."

King's Chapel scored three group one victories last year, the 2000 Guineas, Telegraph Handicap and Family Hotel WFA, against his own age, against older opposition in a handicap and against all comers at weight-for-age - a remarkable achievement.

He won 10 of his 23 starts.

"It's given us so much excitement watching Mark develop a $35,000 yearling into Horse Of The Year," said Ellis.

"The exciting thing is that it will be only a couple of years before we have young King's Chapels in the stable."