Chesnut Annie, one of the most successful point-to-pointers of the last decade, has been retired to stud at the age of 14.
The tough, gutsy mare – owned and trained by the Roberts family and frequently partnered by Isabel Tompsett, who suffered a career-ending fall from another horse at Fakenham racecourse in 2011 – brought in the crowds wherever she ran. She was the winner of 38 of her 58 races between the flags and notched up a further 14 placings. She also won two hunter chases.
Annie will be covered by the successful thoroughbred sire, Dr Massini, who is responsible for many top performers including the high class Grade 2 winner Rocky Creek.
Dr Massini, by the legendary Sadler’s Wells, travelled across the Irish Sea five years ago when he was bought by David Brace of Dunraven Stud in South Wales. At one time he was favourite for the Derby before injury denied him a chance of glory.
“To recruit Chesnut Annie alongside the black type mares we already have booked in [at the stud this year] is a great boost for British breeding as a whole, and I think it is a sign that many breeders now have confidence in the quality of stallions standing on these shores,” said David.
“It is a real honour that the Roberts family have trusted us with the first covering. [Chesnut Annie] is not only revered in her homeland, but she has celebrity status with pointing enthusiasts nationwide.
“The day she won the Dunraven Foxhunters Hunter Chase at Ffos Las she looked top class and it was great to see her transfer her pointing form to the racecourse. Pedigree wise, her siblings have also been decent performers on the track and if she produces something half as good as she is, everybody better watch out.”
