Willie Mullins' two-time Cheltenham Festival winner and ‘proper legend' retires as tributes pour in
'WELL DESERVED' Willie Mullins' two-time Cheltenham Festival winner and 'proper legend' retires as tributes pour in
WILLIE Mullins' two-time Chaltenham Festival winner and three-time grade one winner has been retired.
The Mullins-trained Sir Gerhard has bowed out of the racing world having last raced in Plumpton.
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The 68-year-old thought the time was right to retire Sir Gerhard
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Sir Gerhard has been rode by Danny Mullins, Patrick Mullins and Paul Townsend
The bay gelding finished sixth in the BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle Handicap Hurdle in April.
Sir Gerhard recorded nine wins in his 22 runs from 2020 to 2025 and finishing second once.
The Champion Bumper, Turners Novices' Hurdle and Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle make up the bloodstock's three grade one wins, having amassed a number of impressive accolades.
The son of Jeremy - Ascot Jersey Stakes winner in 2006 - was owned by Cheveley Park Stud.
The 10-year-old earned approximately £290,986 (€335,000) in prize money over his five year career.
Racing fans have paid tribute to the son of PJ Rothwell-trained Faanan Aldaar.
One fan wished the well-accomplished race horse well in his retirement saying: "So many great days. Well deserved retirement now."
Another fan highlighted the legacy of the masterful jumper hailing: "Proper legend."
Popular X account in the horse racing community @Roadcheltenham paid a touching tribute saying: "Sir Gerhard- one of my favourites - has been retired.
"A two-time Cheltenham Festival winner and a three-time Grade 1 winner, I'm thrilled to hear he bows out and fingers crossed he'll enjoy a long and happy retirement."
'End of an era for Irish racing' - Patrick Mullins on Thurles closure and future hopes for re-opening at Galway races
The horse racing world has lost two incredible racers as Minella Indo also recently announced his retirement.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained made 27 starts under Rules, winning eight times.
Most notably Minella Indo won the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup,defeating his stablemate A Plus Tard when he galloped home relentlessly up the hill under Jack Kennedy to win at 9-1.
He won twice at the Cheltenham Festival, including a win in the 2019 Albert Bartlett, and it could easily have been three had he not been caught close home by Champ in the 2020 RSA Chase.
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