Edwardstone is the latest in the chain of big name stars to retire from their heralded equine careers. Rebel’s Romance, Khaadem, Field Of Gold and Hewick have all seen their careers come to an end in recent weeks.
The 12-year-old Kayf Tara gelding was a popular figure in the National Hunt code, winning 12 of his 42 races. He was an above average hurdler, finishing sixth to Shishkin in the 2020 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Having unseated on his chase debut, he returned to timber, finishing third in the Betfair Hurdle.
He failed to complete again on his second over fences in 2021, but he didn’t look back thereafter. He landed the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase after his breakthrough victory at Warwick. The Wayward Lad and Kingmaker followed, prior to a magnificent Arkle success.
He stepped out of Novice company with aplomb, making a winning seasonal debut in the Tingle Creek. He couldn’t quite find consistency thereafter, but he bowed out in April with a Grade 1 Celebration Chase triumph.
“He has retired very fit and well” – Alan King
His trainer, via the Alan King Racing website, discussed the decision to retire him: “The TBA awards was the first time that we’d been together since Sandown Park at the end of the season. We had a good chat and we thought retiring Edwardstone was the right thing to do.
“He has had a wonderful career. We have had an awful lot of fun with him and we have had huge success with him. He has retired very fit and well. I hope he has a long, enjoyable retirement as he has been marvellous
“Winning any Grade One is great, but winning the Arkle was terrific. The biggest buzz I probably got from him was when he won the Tingle Creek. As it was a hell of a performance. He has been a wonderful horse, and it was great he could finish on a high in the Celebration Chase.
Edwardstone won’t be consigned to strolling around in a field, with King suggesting he has to be kept active.
“He will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten here at Barbury. I think the plan is for the daughter of one of his owners to have him now. He has got to be kept active, whether it is showing or whatever, but he will enjoy an active retirement.
“My next target now is to find another one like him. It won’t be easy, but we will give it a good try.”