'He was the little punters' horse' - popular chaser Simply Ned retired aged 13

Nicky Richards has described Simply Ned as "the little punters' horse" after the remarkable 13-year-old, who was a firm favourite in Ireland as well as Britain following back-to-back wins in the Grade 1 Paddy's Rewards Club Chase, was retired at Kelso on Sunday.

The veteran chaser took on the top two-milers for owners David and Nicky Robinson throughout a memorable career, which came to an end with a fifth-placed finish at a track where it all began in a bumper in 2011.

Click here to watch Simply Ned's finest hour at Leopardstown

Those victories at Leopardstown over Christmas were the undoubted high points for Simply Ned, who made regular trips over to Ireland from his stable in Cumbria.

In 2017, he got the verdict from Min in the stewards' room after suffering interference at the hands of the odds-favourite, and the following year he caused another 16-1 upset, again under Mark Walsh, when foiling Footpad just days before turning 12.

Simply Ned gets the better of Footpad (right) at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann

"It was brilliant that the Irish racegoers seemed to enjoy him going there and everybody took to him," said Richards.

"He was the little punters' horse as you knew you'd always get a run for your money at a good price.

"Even when he got beat over there, he ran some storming races. In 2016, he was third to Douvan and Sizing John, and the latter went on to win the Gold Cup.

"He's mixed it with the real top boys. It was brilliant when he won at Leopardstown the first time, although I think a few people thought it was a bit of a fluke, but he put that well and truly right the next year."

Simply Ned, who was bought for €23,000 as a three-year-old, won ten of his 45 starts and accrued £363,841 in prize-money. His owners came up with his name as the hair on his mane reminded them of Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall.

"His mane has ringlets on it, a bit like Mick Hucknall, so we were going to call him Simply Red but couldn't as it's a trade name, so we settled with Simply Ned and it's served him well," said David Robinson.

"He's a gorgeous looking two-tone chestnut horse and he's been a dream to own. He's never been injured or had a day off, and he's given us some fantastic days and amazing memories, especially his wins over in Ireland."

Simply Ned will be much missed by everyone at Richards' Greystoke yard, including groom Martin 'Lugsy' McMullen who has looked after him since the very start.

But with the stable stalwart approaching 14, Richards believes the time was right to call it a day after he failed to land a blow at Kelso in a race he has won twice previously.

Simply smashing: owner David Robinson gives the thumbs-up at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann / Racingpost.com/photos

"He wasn't firing on all cylinders and Nicky and David were in agreement," said the trainer.

"It's remarkable he's stayed very sound and durable. Every race he's had has been a hard one, as he's been right up against it at the ratings, but he's never let anybody down.

"He's had a great career and we've all had so much fun with him. He's been a fantastic horse and he'll have a happy retirement."

Read more:

Backing for £22m hardship fund but Simply Ned owner asks: where is help for us?

Simply Ned foils Footpad in Paddy's Rewards Club Chase with late bid

Simply Ned finally lands Grade 1 following dramatic Min-terference

Place a bet of £1 or more on any UK or Irish race on racingpost.com to watch it live. Click the 'Watch Live' icon at the top of the racecard when it's due to start to watch the full race