Star mare Alsephina’s autumn campaign has been cut short following a disappointing ninth-place finish in last week’s Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill, where she was beaten almost six lengths by Lady Shenandoah.

It was only the fourth time in 21 starts that the six-year-old missed a top-three finish. This followed an unlucky ninth-place run in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) earlier this month.

Co-trainer Grant Williams confirmed the mare won’t continue her campaign. “She had a bit of a virus, so we have put her away and we will decide what to do with her,” Williams said.

In more positive news, Williams confirmed star stablemates Western Empire and Storyville are progressing well towards their respective targets, the Quokka (1200m) and Belmont Guineas (1600m).