Wednesday, 3 December 2008: St Leger winner Sixties Icon is out of the
Hong Kong Vase on Sunday week after his failure in last weekend's Japan
Cup marked the end of his racing career.

Trainer Jeremy Noseda confirmed that Sixties Icon has been retired after
his below-par run in the Japan Cup and will be going to stud in the UK.

The five-year-old son of Galileo won eight races including five Group
events.

"Sixties Icon will always have a special place in my affections as he
was my first English Classic winner," Noseda said.

"It has been a delight to have such a tough and honest horse, with lots
of ability. Most probably a couple of issues compromised him and just
stopped him from realising his absolute full potential.

"We will certainly miss having a horse of his ability and stature around
the yard."

Purple Moon, the 2007 Melbourne Cup second, will go on to the Vase at
Sha Tin despite finishing ninth in the Japan Cup.

The Japan Cup win by Screen hero highlighted the Vase claims of Japanese
stayer Jaguar Mail.

The four-year-old has twice finished second to Screen Hero including a
Group 3 race prior to the Japan Cup.

Australian stayer Douro Valley has arrived in Hong Kong in good shape
after his strong exhibition gallop at Moonee Valley last Saturday when
he had the better of stablemate Ballack over 1600m.

Douro Valley earned a Hong Kong invitation after winning the G1 Yalumba
Stakes and finishing second in the G2 Sandown Classic over the spring
carnival.

Darren Beadman has been confirmed as Douro Valley's rider in Hong Kong.