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Not sure if this was announced already (I probably just missed it) but Nicky Henderson shared some nice pics of Hunt Ball in retirement on Twitter today.
Apologies if this was mentioned already, but it was reported in the Irish Field that Ricci intends to keep Annie Power, not send her to the November sales, as previously stated.
Funny you mention that Louise – I had been keeping an eye out to see if Annie was in the sale & clearly she isn’t. I don’t have access to the Irish Field. Does the article say why Rich Ricci’s changed his mind and whether she’s in foal? Is this just an Annie thing, or does it seem like it might apply to other high profile mares e.g. VVM?
The article rather left me with the impression that AP was empty, although it didn’t say so- there no mention of Camelot or when she was due to foal. It simply said that they intended to keep her for breeding. A cynic may say that a maiden mare rising 10, who has very publicly not gone in foal at her first attempt, is worth significantly less than one in foal to Camelot, hence the change of heart, but perhaps they just couldn’t bear to part with her… No mention of any other mares, just that they don’t plan on being big breeders, and this is their first.
That grand old campaigner Melodic Rendezvous has been retired following his tailed-off run in the Elite Hurdle. The 11yo doesn’t owe anyone anything and let’s wish him a long and happy retirement.
Interesting – Rich Ricci on Nick Luck on Sunday today suggested it was sentiment that won the day (SR’s decision). Annie not for sale. It took a bit of prompting to say that she’s in foal to Camelot (the suggestion of WPM). The aim is to breed classic flat horses from her – but, her progeny most likely will be sold. No plans to keep anything else (at the moment).
Peace and Co has been retired, as confirmed by Nicky Henderson on On The Line earlier this evening.
Amidst a local newspaper report about Tom George’s stable ahead of Cheltenham, it is revealed that Module has retired.
Not that you need reminding, Module won the Game Spirit in 2014, beating Dodging Bullets by a neck (in receipt of three pounds), and then finished third next time out in the Champions Chase behind Sire de Grugy and Somersby.
One of my favourites of recent years, Vic’s Canvas, has been retired. Bet him loads, but the obvious highlight was that 3rd in The 2016 National at 100-1, and coming after a shocker of blunder at Bechers.
Hope he has a long healthy retirement.
Cause of Causes
Well, it had to happen sooner or later, but one of my very favourites, and I’m absolutely delighted to see him bow out in one piece.First really caught my attention in The 2012 Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot. I’ve got three of four running for me, and they’re heading for home, and I’m getting excited. Then this thing called Cause of Causes sprouts wings, and wins very impressively. Notebook immediately. Then he started his chasing career, and that was it. He was having nice careful prep races for something, and I’m waiting for the big entry, cue The 2013 Paddy Power at Leapordstown. As far as I’m concerned defeat is out of the question, but he just goes down by the narrowest margins to WPM’s Rockyaboya. He looks a proper Cheltenham horse by this stage, and I have The Kim Muir in mind. Unfortunately, despite bringing him into the race nicely, jockey gets the last all wrong, and he just fails to reel in Spring Heeled.
Those two narrow defeats turn out to be a blessing in disguise, and he retains his Novice Status, making him surely a short price Ante-Post shot for The National Hunt Chase. Nope, Ante-Post a 20-1 shot. He finally gets his head in front, and the big win he deserves. Looks a serious player for The Grand National, but sadly, given a dog of a ride, and never given a chance.
By this stage, it’s quite clear he’s a target horse, and surely The Ultima or Kim Muir will be next, the following year. Thanks to one of the best rides I’ve seen, he lands the following seasons Kim Muir under Jamie Codd, winning in the manner of a horse who’s just joined in with a few furlongs to go. Happy Days.
The final big moment came in The 2017 Cross Country. He gets his stroll, sorry prep race, round the Cross Country Course at Cheltenham in The January, and it is quite clear that he’ll have only one race in mind in March. Come The Festival, he romps it, winning his third different race at The Festival, each of them with a bit to spare.
An absolute legend of a horse, and ones like him don’t come around too often. He’ll be missed, but hope he has a long and happy retirement.
Katenko
Another smashing horse, who didn’t quite have the luck Cause of Causes. Would surely have won The 2013 Gold Cup, he was absolutely in the form of his life, conditions were perfect for him, and it was only an average line up. The disaster struck and he got Colic less than a fortnight before the race.He was never the same horse after that, and to be honest, I just wanted to see him retired, and finally, after Uttoxeter on Saturday, it was decided he had ran his last race. Smashing horse as well.
Lovely to hear that both horses leave healthy,with a long and enjoyable retirement ahead.
Cause Of Causes…….That Kim Muir victory was spectacular,coming from a different parish turning in,he was taking a pull coming to the 2nd last,very rare in festival races.
Cognac Towers was heard on the south coast when he landed the 2017 x-country,I ignored several messages in the lead up to that race,all Implying that defeat was out the question,weeks in advance of the meeting.
VTC is far too modest to admit he had a fair old chunk going onto the horse,absolutely bolted up that day.
The bond we have with certain horses is not always reasoned,very very special when they deliver on the biggest stage,he will live long in one posters memory,for all the right reasons…..wonderful horse.
Saint Are
Just the best news that the old boy has been retired. Very well deserved, and it was great to hear that he got to go home.
That’s fantastic news Bobby. It would have been so sad if he had lost his life especially at a track where he has run so many good races. Here’s hoping for a long and happy retirement
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