Star mare Alsephina’s autumn campaign in Sydney has come to an early end after a disappointing run in last week’s Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill.

Finishing almost six lengths behind Lady Shenandoah in ninth place, Alsephina’s effort marked only the fourth time in her 21-start career that she had failed to finish in the top three.

Earlier this month, the six-year-old also endured a frustrating ninth-place finish in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

Co-trainer Grant Williams confirmed that they would not continue with the campaign, saying, “We’ve done some blood tests, and she’s been a bit under the weather this time. She wasn’t herself out there.”

“It seems she’s been battling a virus, so we’ve decided to give her a break and will reassess her future from there.”

While Alsephina’s campaign has ended prematurely, Williams shared some positive news regarding stablemates Western Empire and Storyville, both of whom are progressing well toward their respective targets: the Quokka (1200m) and the Belmont Guineas (1600m).