Harrington hails 'superstar mare' Magic Of Light as Aintree runner-up is retired

Jessica Harrington has paid tribute to her 2019 Grand National runner-up Magic Of Light after connections called time on the talented ten-year-old's racing career, describing her as a "superstar mare" for her Commonstown team.

Extremely effective over hurdles and fences, the imposing Flemensfirth mare won back-to-back runnings of the Grade 2 registered as the Warfield Mares' Hurdle at Ascot, as well as a hat-trick of comfortable Listed chase successes at Newbury from 2018 to 2020.

Magic Of Light lifetime form figures

A winner of nine races – including a valuable mares' handicap chase at the 2018 Punchestown festival – Magic Of Light represented the late Ann and Alan Potts, having originally recorded a bumper victory in the colours of winning rider Kate Harrington.

"She's been a superstar mare for us and it's great to hear that she's in foal," said the trainer, confirming the popular performer's retirement with the potential for her to be sold.

"She's been covered by Crystal Ocean, who I think will be a good mating for her."

Magic Of Light (left) chases home Tiger Roll at AintreeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Magic Of Light's most memorable display arguably came in defeat rather than victory, going down valiantly by two and three-quarters of a length behind Tiger Roll in the 2019 Grand National, running a huge race under Paddy Kennedy as a 66-1 outsider.

A bid to go one better this year – having missed the 2020 running due to its cancellation during the pandemic – saw her unseat at the fourth, later failing to fire on her final start at the Punchestown festival.

"It was my first runner in the National when she ran a brilliant race behind Tiger Roll," said Harrington, whose campaigning saw the mare earn over €400,000 in prize-money.

"Every year you could depend on her to do the same thing at Newbury and Ascot. I used to say that she could nearly pack her own suitcase and head off to England!"

Read more:

Jessica Harrington addresses Jim Bolger's drug cheats claim in Irish racing

'I always thought it would make a great film' – Barney Curley coup comes to TV

Aidan O'Brien blames early incident for disappointing run of High Definition

Join Members' Club Ultimate and read tipping from the likes of Pricewise and Paul Kealy, all the big interviews and features, daily comment and news analysis – plus our Ultimate Daily newsletter. Click here to sign up.