'It'll be a privilege' - Fitzgerald honoured to look after Altior in retirement

Mick Fitzgerald has promised Altior will "enjoy his retirement" when he leaves Nicky Henderson's yard next week after it was announced on Monday the four-time Cheltenham Festival winner had run his last race.

Fitzgerald and his wife Chloe will take charge of Altior following Henderson's owners' open day on Sunday, with the record-breaking chaser given the chance to retrain but having "no pressure on him to perform or do anything" should he not want to.

"It'll be a real honour to have him here," Fitzgerald said. "A horse that's done what he's done is a true champion, so to have him around the place is going to be special and a privilege.

"I've been around to watch him at home and in all of those big races over the years, and the one thing I'll guarantee you is that he'll enjoy his retirement.

Mick Fitzgerald: 'The one thing I'll guarantee you is that he'll enjoy his retirement'Credit: John Grossick

"My wife Chloe will ride him and see how he gets on and what he likes doing. If he gets to the stage where he wants to be doing some show classes then so be it, but there's no pressure on him to perform or do anything."

Fitzgerald, a former stable jockey for Henderson, said he was asked to take on Altior by owners Chris and Patricia Pugh and hopes the 11-year-old will continue to be a familiar face in Lambourn and within racing by appearing at open days and elsewhere.

"I've known Chris and Pat for a long time – I rode one of their first winners, Arctic Sky – and I think him coming to us came about through my connection to the yard," Fitzgerald said.

"They knew I had a yard in Lambourn and that it'd be a great place for him. My kids ride and they showjump so there's plenty going on, although there are no firm plans at all for him. He's coming here to enjoy his retirement and that's what he'll do.

"I view our role as caretakers – he's Pat and Chris's horse. They'll be coming to see him whenever they want and I know that Nicky will be along to see him plenty.

"It'll be a pleasure to share him with everyone and I hope he continues to be a part of Lambourn life like he has been all of these years by appearing at the likes of the open days and what have you."

Read more on Altior's retirement here:

'We've been blessed' says Nicky Henderson as legendary chaser Altior is retired

'He was incredible' – ex-jockey Noel Fehily pays tribute to retired star Altior

Supreme, Champion Chase, Tingle Creek and more: Altior's best performances

'What a horse' – the best social media reaction to Altior's retirement

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