Long Run, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and two King George VI Chases, has been retired from racing aged 11.
The gelding is owned by Robert Waley-Cohen and was ridden in the majority of his races by the owner’s son Sam Waley-Cohen. He ran to Gold Cup victory in 2011 under the amateur jockey — fending off the former Paul Nicholls-trained duo Denman and Kauto Star.
The decision was made to retire the son of Cadoudal after he finished fifth in a hunter chase at Carlise on Sunday (20 March). It was his comeback run after sustaining an injury on his way back from racing in France in May 2014.
“That’s it for Long Run now. We’ll find something else for him to do. He’s been a wonderful horse, I’ve had him since was a three-year-old and he’s given us some fantastic moments,” said Robert.
Long Run was initially aimed at this year’s Cheltenham Foxhunter before a setback in January saw hopes divert towards the Grand National at Aintree. Sunday’s race was considered a trial run ahead of the Liverpool showcase — but his disappointing run prompted connections to call it a day on his illustrious racing career.
Under Sam, the French-bred gelding triumphed in two King George VI Chases at Kempton in 2011 and 2012.
He amassed 15 victories since starting his career in France in 2008 — including six Grade One contests. His total earnings were in excess of £1.5 million.
It has not yet been confirmed what Long Run will be doing during his retirement.
Continued below…
Sam Waley-Cohen wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Long Run wins second King George VI Chase
Former Grand National runner to go eventing
Meanwhile, following the Carlisle race, Long Run’s jockey Sam received a controversial seven-day suspension for easing up on the gelding during the run-in. He has announced he will appeal against the ban which rules him out of the Aintree Fox Hunters in April — a race the jockey has won three times.
