I actually expected them to run him next year, I really screwed up in believing that would happen.
Money shouldn't mean that much to them that he has to be rushed off to stud now. I thought a guy who loved racing as much as Sheikh Mo would want to campaign him again at 4. I'm especially shocked that he made this decision before the BC has even been run. If he loses, I'd think he would want to run him again next year to attempt to accomplish that goal.
Its sad, but I guess between retirements and the gruel of the Tri Crown, our chances of seeing a deep older horse division in my lifetime are dim.