Having become the first Australian bred winner of the G1 July Cup at Newmarket on Friday, it has been announced that Starspangledbanner will miss the 2010 southern hemisphere breeding season and will instead remain in training at Ballydoyle with trainer Aidan O'Brien.

Already the winner of four individual G1 contests and the first horse to complete the Golden Jubilee/July Cup double, Starspangledbanner will now pursue a campaign that is likely to include some of the most prestigious sprint races on the world stage.

"Following extensive discussions, it has been decided that Starspangledbanner will race on this season," said Coolmore Australia General Manager Michael Kirwan.

“On the basis of his devastating wins in both the G1 Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot and in the G1 July Cup, it is evident that the horse is still improving.

“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.

“His feats to date mark him down as a special horse and (trainer) Aidan O'Brien is keen to pursue further opportunities with him.

“Starspangledbanner is a tremendous ambassador for Australian racing and breeding and I hope that he can continue to enhance the increasingly positive international perception of the Australian thoroughbred as the season progresses".

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