UNDOUBTEDLY the highest profile retiree to the breeding shed in 2017 is the prolific Maurice, who retires as a six-time Group 1 winner with career earnings of over €5,500,000.

He was maiden winner in a record time over 1400m at Kyoto racecourse on his debut as a two-year-old, but posted modest form as a two and three-year old, his best being a third-placed effort in a stakes race.

Moved to leading trainer Noriyuki Hori as a four year-old, Maurice remained unbeaten for 17 months. He won three domestic Group 1 titles. He supplemented these wins with three successful trips to Hong Kong to double his top-tier haul. Two of these, the final races in his consistently sensational career on the track, saw him step up with ease to 10 furlongs.

Maurice is by Japan Cup winner and rapidly up-and-coming sire Screen Hero. While not in complete isolation, he has been his sire’s main flag bearer over the past two years.

Maurice and Arima Kinen winner Gold Actor gave their sire two individual Group 1 winners from a first crop of just 58 live foals.

Screen Hero’s stock has continued to rise, resulting in his covering fee more than doubling in each of the last two years.

Maurice will stand at Lex Stud for a fee of 7,000,000 Yen (€57,000) for 2017. He will also shuttle to Arrowfield Stud to stand there at AUS $33,0000.

Out of the Carnegie mare Meijiro Frances, Maurice’s prowess on the track will certainly ensure a large book of high quality mares from most of Japan’s top breeders.

Maurice will stand at Shadai’s Stallion Station and command a fee of 4,000,000 Yen (€33,000).