Gavin Cromwell hails ‘fantastic' Raz De Maree as Welsh National hero is retired

Trainer Gavin Cromwell has paid tribute to Welsh National winner Raz De Maree after connections called time on the admirable 14-year-old's career.

The thoroughly likeable seven-time winner, who brought the house down when landing Chepstow's festive highlight just days after his 13th birthday in 2018, retires from the sport after failing to show his old sparkle at Fairyhouse recently.

The Champion Hurdle-winning trainer said: "He's been a fantastic horse and I'm delighted he's been able to retire in one piece as a sound horse. He's been brilliant for everyone and has given us plenty of great days."

He added: "The Welsh National was obviously a fantastic day to remember. To win that race, regardless of any age, was a great achievement."

The James Swan-owned veteran began life in the care of Dessie Hughes, and was subsequently trained by the late trainer's daughter Sandra, before joining Cromwell in 2016.

The soft-ground specialist also recorded two Cork National successes and a Munster National victory across a 51-race career.

Raz De Maree in numbers

€169,768 in Irish prize-money
£153,318 in British prize-money
51 starts
13 years of age at the time of his Welsh National win
7 career victories
3 Welsh National appearances
2 Cork Grand National wins

Cromwell added of his charge, who also finished second to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River in the 2016 Welsh National: "His owners, the Swan family, are local farmers and he'll have a good retirement ahead of him."

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