Retirements

[moehat]

I always had a fondness for The Young Master too, especially after losing that race. His handicap rating shot up because of it and it was an uphill battle for him after that. Also, prior to the emergence of the great Tiger Roll he was the token flat bred horse that really shouldn’t have been achieving what he did.

[Cork All Star]

“Duc De Genievres is, I fear, an Arkle winner we can file under “Future Pointless Answers”, but he still won the damn thing!”

Agree – but not as pointless as 2014 winner Western Warhorse!

[Tonge]

Thanks for this Marlingford. Ridiculous that it’s taken them so long. 2 others that caught my eye are Pactolus & Growl.

[He Didnt Like Ground]

Few old favs Inc Growl , hope the Tobefair team get another horse , stuff of dreams from where he started to running well in a stayers , injuries meant The Dutchman only ran 21 times with 3 runs ….what if def with him

Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026

[Marlingford]

Momella’s very respectable fifth place in the Midlands Grand National yesterday was reportedly her final start.

Wishing her a long and happy retirement.

[He Didnt Like Ground]

Your joking …I had her nicely noted in my book for a minor national , all well scribbled out now

Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026

[patriot1]

Some wonderful horses on that list. It doesn’t seem fair to single any out but Doing Fine was a cracking horse and I loved the Tobefair story.

And now you can add Ch’tibello to the line up.

Just under the top notchers at his best but a wonderful star for the Skelton team.

[Marlingford]

Thanks Patriot, Ch’tibello is very much another favourite of mine. I suspected Saturday might prove to be his final run. Wishing him a long and happy retirement

Re a few of the more high profile names on my list, I am a bit surprised that their retirements were not reported in the media at the time. Obviously the media can’t be blamed where the retirement is not publicised by connections or mentioned on the BHA website though.

The BHA not keeping its website up-to-date might be minor in the grand scheme of things, but it all adds up to the impression of whether they take the matter of what happens to horses after racing seriously or not.

[He Didnt Like Ground]

Ch’tibello’s Cheltenham win …..turned dispair to delight that day for me

Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026

[Dubacilla]

Alcala has been retired. Have been part of his syndicate this year, only had the one race for me, but lovely he is being retired as soon as age appears to be catching up on him.
Am sure this lovely near white chap will be inundated with offers of a good home, and if not, he’ll have a home at Equiprep for life.

Comments from Paul Nichols:
Alcala had some blood in a post-exercise scope last week and, although he seems fine in himself, I don’t feel that he is in top form at the moment and age may be catching up with him a touch. Having had a discussion with Owners Group management, we feel that it is in Alcala’s best interests to retire him now, rather than attempt to get him back to the racecourse later this year. He owes us nothing, and my gut instinct is that he has probably had enough and deserves a long and enjoyable retirement. He’s been a wonderful horse for the yard and we have enjoyed some wonderful days with him. The highlight was probably his win in the Listed Summer Plate at Market Rasen in 2017. He always attracted a lot of support at the races and on stable visits, and on behalf of everyone at Team Ditcheat, I’d like to thank you for your enthusiasm over the last few years.

Report by Owners Group:
We were, of course, saddened to hear that Alcala had scoped poorly after a piece of work last week. Given that Alcala would require a quiet couple of weeks following this diagnosis, and due to Paul’s feeling that Alcala may be losing interest in training, we feel that the only sensible option is to retire him with immediate effect. Alcala won nine races in Owners Group colours and he was a definite favourite at Ditcheat. The decision to switch him to Hunter Chases a couple of seasons ago had a positive effect on Alcala, with his most impressive performance coming at Ascot under Harry Cobden last March.
Alcala is twelve years of age now and has a total of 37 races under his belt. He deserves a wonderful retirement, and he is due to head to EquiPrep in the coming days.

[Marlingford]

That’s lovely to hear Dubacilla. Wishing Alcala a long and happy retirement

[Marlingford]

The BHA non-racing agreements are now coming thick and fast. Latest ones to catch my eye are:

A Toi Phil
Moonraker
Royal Crusade
Younevercall

Wishing all the recent retirees long and happy retirements

[vikingflagship]

Great to see they are keeping on top of it now and not neglecting updates for months like they did from last August

Vf x

[vikingflagship]

So beloved retired

Vf x

[Triptych]

💖Beautiful boy…always loved that horse and so happy he has finally been retired, my bookie will however be found weeping in a corner.

Have a lovely retirement big fella you truly were and always will be So Beloved by me. Jac

Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...

[fivelongdays]

Ah, Western Warhorse. Currently residing in the “where are they now file?” (and the “where were they then?” file for that matter).

BlueSky @pghenn.bsky.social

So don't run, just like the others always do

[Marlingford]

I always wondered what happened to Western Warhorse. And now I know:

https://www.davidpipe.com/4294-looking-back-84-warhorse

Am pleased to find it is a happy tale.

[Author]

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