'He'll be in the lap of luxury' - Becher Chase hero Walk In The Mill retired

Dual Becher Chase winner Walk In The Mill has been retired from racing after pulling up at Warwick this month, trainer Robert Walford has revealed.

The 11-year-old won the 3m2f Aintree race over the National fences in 2018 and 2019 but fell heavily at the Chair when attempting the hat-trick in December, which may well have dented his enthusiasm for the jumping game.

He was last seen pulling up at the 12th fence in the Grade 3 Classic Chase at Warwick a week ago.

Formerly trained in France, Walk In The Mill was the winner of six races over fences from 30 starts under rules, and also acquitted himself well over the big Aintree fences when fourth to Tiger Roll in the Grand National in 2019.

Walford said: “Last time at Warwick, Walk In the Mill didn’t really want to go to the start and looked to have lost his love for the game, so we’ve decided to call it a day. He’s sound and happy, which is the main thing, but he just doesn’t want to race.”

Robert Walford: 'he just doesn’t want to race'

Reflecting on the veteran's glittering career, Walford added: “He’s done more for us than we can ever have dreamed of and he’s exceeded any expectations we may have had.

"I suppose winning the first of his Bechers was his greatest achievement as we didn’t expect him to win that day.

"Also, he ran well when fourth in the Grand National two years ago, and we fancied him to run well in last year’s renewal until it was called off, which was a great shame, although it may have been too dry for him anyway.”

As to the future, Walford added: “Walk In The Mill will now go to Dido Harding to spend his retirement, which is where we sent Cool Dawn when he finished racing, and he had a very long and happy time there in the lap of luxury.”

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