After the Grand National...?

So what happens to Grand National racehorses when they retire and become ex-racehorses ?

Everyone knows about Red Rum, of course ( winner in 1973, 1974, and 1977, and second in 1975 and 1976). He became a much-loved celebrity, touring the UK making public appearances to his adoring fans and raising big money for good causes. I remember seeing Rummy once at the Great Yorkshire Show. What a star ! The equine George Clooney of his day.

At the other extreme, there was poor Hello Dandy ( winner 1984), who retired to go hunting but then fell on hard times and ended up being rescued, in a pretty poor state, by the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre. Fortunately, they were able to pull him through and provide him with another dozen years of happy, 5-star comfort in his old age . He died last year, much mourned, at the grand age of 33.

But what of all the others ? The Grand National attracts huge fields - up to 40 runners every year. Where do they all go ? Most of the Aintree runners are geldings (Only 13 mares have won the race in its 170 -odd year history .) So, comparatively few will end up in the breeding paddocks.

Almost by definition, a Grand National horse - whether it wins or not - will be brave, strong, athletic, and clever. And since they can't really carry on at that peak level much past middle age, however good they are, they tend to be retired at an age when, if sound enough, they could easily forge a new, slightly less demanding, career. Lots of them go eventing, or find a new lease of life in the hunting field, doing for sheer fun what they used to do for a living. I know the 1975 winner L'Escargot gave his grateful rider some wonderful days hunting.
Others are kept on at or near their old training yards, cared for by doting staff and occupied as nursemaids and schoolmasters for all the incoming youngsters, equine and human. Miinnehoma ( winner 1994) was retired close to Martin Pipe's yard, in the care of former Head Lad Dennis Dummett, to become a huge celebrity and a regular in the annual Parade of Grand National Winners at Aintree.

Lots of these great horses have owners who truly love them, and take the decision to retire them early, even if still 'at the top', rather than put them through any more risk as they get older. Quite right too - they've earned it ! So well done to Trevor Hemmings, the owner of Hedgehunter, that brilliant National specialist and winner in 2005 whose retirement has just been announced. The old warrior ( and 5-times National runner) is going to live on the Isle of Man with his owner, hunting, hacking and , I bet, being spoilt rotten. Good old Hedgie !

It's harder, though, to trace what happens to the also-rans. But I do know of some. Akarus and Royal Predica both went to the same home when they retired from racing, were reschooled, and forged a successful new life as show horses in ex-racer classes. And also as beloved, pampered pets ! The same applies to Kendal Cavalier, who ran in the 1999 and 2000 Nationals, and is now a much-loved pleasure horse who enjoys charity Fun Rides. Burlu, ( National runner in 2003) , these days is a happy hacker, preparing for his first season as a just-for-fun riding club horse.

What about all the others ? Anybody know ?