Tina Cook has told H&H that she has retired Miners Frolic after a problem with his heart.
The 16-year-old, known at home as Henry, won 3 Olympic medals, team and individual gold at the 2009 European Championships and helped to secure team gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Henry suffered a heart fibrillation after a hack last week — the same that racehorse Sprinter Sacre had causing him to be pulled up at Kempton in December.
After further consultation with veterinary heart expert Celia Marr and his owners, Nick and Valda Embiricos and Sarah Pelham, the decision was taken to retire him.
“He’s felt great and I was quite excited about the year ahead,” Tina told H&H.
“I had thought the World Equestrian Games [in August] might be his swansong — he looks amazing and feels as good as he’s ever done. But it’s not to be.
“He can now have a very happy retirement.”
To find out more about Tina’s decision and what lies in store for Miners Frolic in retirement don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound — out Thursday 6 February.
