The Sir Alex Ferguson-owned chaser Clan Des Obeaux who won two King George VI’s, two Aintree Bowls and a Punchestown Gold Cup in his career has been retired said British horse-trainer Paul Nicholls.
The 11-year-old, who last ran 12 months ago when he secured a second Aintree Bowl, has been unable to participate in the entire campaign due to an injury.
His trainer, Paul Nicholls, recently withdrew him from this week’s Grand National meeting, and has now announced his retirement.
"We are announcing that we are retiring Clan Des Obeaux,” Nicholls said to Betfair.
"He’s got a minor injury which just keeps niggling him, it’s not going to come right and even if we give him another six months off we’ll be in the same situation this time next year.
Happy retirement, CLAN DES OBEAUX 🙌
He was unstoppable in the @betway Bowl over the past two years 🔥 #RandoxGrandNational pic.twitter.com/vS2dz2cdqB— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 10, 2023
"So, having a chat with Paul Barber, Jed Mason and Alex Ferguson, between us we decided that he’s been such a wonderful horse - he’s won two King Georges, two Aintree bowls, the Punchestown Gold Cup. He’s been an amazing horse.
"He’s had a fantastic career, I think he’s won over £1m in prize money.
"He’s going to have a happy retirement.
"He’ll have a little bit of time off, probably needs six months out in the field, and we’ll find another job for him.
"I think winning at Punchestown the season before last, that was a good day, to go and beat the Irish on their home ground was good.”
