Bristol De Mai calls time on glittering career.
Following Saturday’s performance at Haydock, the brilliant career of the immensely popular chaser Bristol De Mai has come to an end.
The grey that was trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede won six times at his beloved Merseyside venue, including a hat-trick of victories in the Betfair Chase from 2017 to 2020.
Bristol De Mai also won the Altcar Novices’ Chase in 2016, the Peter Marsh Chase in 2017, and the Grand National Trial at Haydock in 2017. However, he was badly beaten when attempting to win both of these races over the weekend.
The time has come, according to his connections, for him to retire honourably.
Munir wrote on Twitter: “Team Double Green are announcing the retirement of Bristol De Mai.
“It has been a privilege to own him. Bristol has been a legend and retires 100% sound & happy. Our thanks to Nigel, Sparky (Richard Bevis), Daryl (Jacob) & all at Grange Farm.
“It has been a wonderful journey that he has taken us all on!”
Nine years have passed since Bristol De Mai was purchased from Guillaume Macaire’s yard in France. In the 2014 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow, he provided Munir and Souede with their first Grade One victory.
He has won 12 races, including the 2016 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown and the 2017 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, two of his biggest wins.
The 12-year-old horse won more than £900,000 in prizes. Even though his owners are having a great season, with Blue Lord and El Fabiolo winning Grade Ones and going to the Cheltenham Festival next month as leading contenders, Bristol De Mai will undoubtedly always hold a special place in their hearts.
With nine of Bristol De Mai’s 12 victories, including the three Betfair Chases, the aforementioned Jacob was a masterful partner.
He told sportinglife.com: “What a legend of a horse Bristol has been and he’s been a pleasure to ride.
“I’ve enjoyed so many good days on him and some special days with my family too – the kids have grown to love him over the years so he’ll always be remembered fondly.
“His best performance was probably his second Betfair Chase, when he got the better of Native River, Thistlecrack, Clan Des Obeaux and Might Bite.
“The third Betfair gave me a huge amount of pleasure, but in terms of actual performance it was that second win, beating Gold Cup winners.”
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