Castelvecchio winning the Champagne Stakes (Image: Bradley Photos)
Dual Group 1 winner Castelvecchio has run his final race and will start breeding duties later this year.
Arrowfield Stud chairman John Messara held a controlling share in the three-year-old colt and it was anticipated that the son of Dundeel would be aimed at going one better in this year's Cox Plate after finishing second to Lys Gracieux in 2019.
However, a couple of factors have conspired against Castelvecchio remaining in training with Warwick Farm-based trainer Richard Litt.
"Castelvecchio is a horse we simply had to have after his amazing juvenile season and his world-class second to Lys Gracieux in the Cox Plate," Messara said in a statement.
"He confirmed our assessment of him with his Rosehill Guineas win and we were very much looking forward to his spring four-year-old campaign.
"However, due to the current economic upheaval caused by COVID-19, we have mutually agreed with Shadai Stallion Station to rest our Japanese shuttle stallions in 2020.
"This decision and Not A Single Doubt's retirement present a breeding opportunity for Castelvecchio that we simply can't ignore."
Castelvecchio, who is free of Danehill blood, will stand at stud for an introductory fee of $33,000 (including GST), half the amount of Dundeel, whose oldest progeny are aged four.
Australia's leading sire Snitzel remains Arrowfield's dearest on the roster despite his service fee being reduced from $220,000 to $165,000 (including GST) ahead of the 2020 breeding season.