Sadler's Wells, one of the world's most pre-eminent sires, is to be retired due to declining fertility.

The 27-year-old, a son of Northern Dancer, has stood there since his retirement from racing in 1985, siring over 200 stakes winners and well over 60 Group One scorers.

"I think Sadler's Wells is generally acknowledged as the best

sire Europe has ever seen and we feel very privileged to have

been associated with him," Coolmore manager Christy Grassick said.

"His influence will be felt for many years to come and in Galileo, Montjeu and High Chaparral, we are delighted to have his three best sons at Coolmore."

Galileo won the 2001 Epsom Derby and High Chaparral captured the race the following year, also winning twice at the Breeders' Cup Turf race in the U.S.

Montjeu won the Irish Derby, the French Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1999 and has already sired two Epsom Derby winners, including Authorized, victorious in 2007.

Sadler's Wells won six of his 11 starts as a top class racehorse and was champion sire in Britain and Ireland 14 times.

His many offspring also include the triple Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq, who won 23 of his 29 races and well over 1 million pounds ($1.96 million) in prize money.

Reuters