Esteem heads for stud

Mark of Esteem, one of the outstanding milers of recent years, was yesterday retired from racing. He will stand at the Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket. His owners, Godolphin, made the decision in the wake of the 2,000 Guineas winner's disappointing showing in the Breeders' Cup Mile in Canada on Saturday.

"I hope he will be remembered for his victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, one of the highlights of the season," Godolphin's racing manager, Simon Crisford, said.

Godolphin's lead in the race for the trainers' title was only marginally reduced yesterday. Henry Cecil's Kyle Rhea earned pounds 1,360 when finishing second to Musalsal in the Hoby Maiden Stakes at Nottingham. But his Divine Quest was an unplaced favourite in Redcar's finale.

n The spread-betting company City Index yesterday announced that it is withdrawing from its proposed takeover of its rival Sporting Index.

n Decorated Hero completed a four-timer in the Prix Phil Drake at Evry yesterday. John Gosden's gelding was a 3-10 shot and won by a neck from Serviable with Verzen, trained by David Loder, finishing third.