'He has a home for life' - Definitly Red set for happy retirement with groom

A happy retirement with longstanding groom Andy Robertson awaits Definitly Red after connections decided to call time on the 12-year-old’s career after he was pulled up in Saturday’s Grand National.

He bows out with a tremendous CV, winning the Many Clouds Chase twice, the Cotswold Chase, Charlie Hall Chase and the Grimthorpe, and his final win came in Kelso's Premier Chase last year.

Owned by Phil and Julie Martin, Definitly Red won 15 times from 38 starts and finished sixth in the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup for Brian Ellison. He returned to the trainer's Malton yard in good health after being pulled up by Ryan Mania with two to jump at Aintree.

Ellison said: "He’s come out of the race grand and will enjoy a happy retirement. You wouldn’t find an easier horse to train. He was willing to do everything you wanted him to. He loved the press and cameras when they visited and was just a gent. He’ll be hard to replace.

"He had lots of big days and always gave everything. Danny Cook was brilliant on him – he was always behind the bridle but Danny suited him. Phil and Julie were fantastic owners as we kept him to four or five races a year and that’s why he could race at 12."

Definitly Red alongside his longstanding groom Andy RobertsonCredit: @BERacingLtd

Ellison’s travelling head lad Robertson rode and looked after Definitly Red since he arrived at the stable in late 2014, having been trained by Steve Gollings for his first five starts under rules, and the yard stalwart will not be too far away in his retirement.

"Andy looked after him every day and did a brilliant job. They were a great partnership and Definitly Red enjoyed being around people – he would never go to kick or bite you," said Ellison. "He’s going to a place up the road – only five minutes away – where Andy will look after him. He has a home there for life."

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