Starspangledbanner to stay

A start to his stud career had been an option for the ex-Australian horse after Friday's July Cup at Newmarket.

However, he would have needed to go into quarantine on Saturday to be able to return to Australia in time for the covering season there and connections at O'Brien's Coolmore operation needed to make a quick decision.

Coolmore Australia General Manager Michael Kirwan said on Saturday there was more to come from the horse.

"On the basis of his devastating wins in both the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot and in the July Cup, it is evident that the horse is still improving," he said.

"He has earned the right to be considered a great horse with his efforts so far and it would seem premature to retire a horse of this calibre at a time when he is proving himself a dominant performer," he told horse racing site.

Starspangledbanner beat top-class international fields at Ascot and Newmarket, though victory on Friday cost jockey Johnny Murtagh a six-day suspension for careless riding.

He will miss the ride on Irish Derby winner Cape Blanco at Ascot later this month and the first two days of the Glorious Goodwood meeting.