Here's a happy post-script to this
year's Grand National. Saint Are – the horse who gave us all a
scare when needing extra veterinary attention after the race – is
not only back home safe and sound, but has been retired from racing
to start a new, but somewhat easier, career as an ex-racehorse.
12-year-old Saint Are, a beautiful dark
bay gelding, was running in his fourth Grand National. He had done
really well in the race before, coming second by just 1¾ lengths
to Many Clouds at his first attempt in 2015 and being third to One
For Arthur in 2017. He was a very talented racehorse, winning some
£500,000 during his career, including a Grade 1 over hurdles at
Aintree in 2011. But in this year's National it all went wrong. First
he was brought down at the 15th fence, The Chair – not
his fault, but it resulted in a crunching fall over the other horse.
Then, getting up and running loose, Saint Are jumped and fell again
His trainer, Tom George, later tried to
explain what happened: “I think he had slight concussion from the
first incident which meant he didn't jump well loose. I saw him come
past me and he was OK, but then he fell again and that isn't like
him. I think he overheated a bit. The vets were quick to him and he
had magnificent care.”
Even so, it was a worrying time for
all watching, as well as those directly involved, especially when it
was reported that Saint Are was being treated by the vets on the
track, and then was not allowed home from the racecourse stables that
night. Many feared the worst, and some social media sites even
reported, wrongly, that the horse was dead.
Thank goodness they were mistaken, and
Saint Are ate up his breakfast the next morning before being taken
home to his Gloucestershire stable and being allowed out in his
paddock, where he was soon enjoying a roll and a buck. 'Arnie', as he
is known at home, was back! Tom George posted some lovely video shots
of Arnie enjoying his turnout, and thanked all the people who had
sent anxious messages and best wishes.
His trainer also announced the news
that Saint Are, having run 13 times at Aintree with enormous credit
and success, had sailed over those famous fences for the last time
and his racing days were over. Tom George explained that the owners,
David Fox and Lystra Adams, had decided it was time the horse had an
easier life while he's still young and sound enough to enjoy a new
career. “Their priorities have always been his well-being,” Tom
George said of Saint Are's owners. “Thus they have taken the
decision to let him enjoy an active retirement after a summer at
grass here at Down Farm.”
Clearly 'Arnie' is a much-loved lad.
Tom George said: “The most important thing is he is OK. He's been a
great horse for us, and will have a well-deserved retirement now.”
He added: “It is yet to be decided in which sphere, however he is
sure to excel in whatever is chosen”
So Saint Are is now joining the ranks
of ex-racehorses! It will be interesting to see in which direction
his talents take him for his life-after-racing career.
Saint Are in his pomp, about to come 3rd in the 2017 Grand National
Now 'Arnie' heads for pastures new.....
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