Phil McEntee hails yard hero Spare Parts as prolific all-weather scorer retires

Phil McEntee has paid tribute to his yard favourite Spare Parts who was retired after suffering a tendon injury at Lingfield on Wednesday.

He enjoyed a phenomenal season last year, winning seven times in three months and rising from a mark of 49 up to 91 in a heroic all-weather campaign.

McEntee said: "It was an unbelievable story. He did a lot of things for a lot of people, not just in the yard but for racing fans too. He got plenty of fans on Twitter and everyone loved seeing how he got on.

"He grabbed the public's attention, it was a rags to riches story. He came from a big yard and didn't cost a lot but look what he did. Everyone seemed to love his story, we had great fun with him."

Since returning this season, the five-year-old has struggled to find his form. He finished last of 12 runners at Lingfield on New Year's Eve before pulling-up at Lingfield on what proved to be his swansong.

He added: "Sadly when we got him back in the autumn his form had dipped, we did lots of scans and x-rays but we couldn't really find anything.

"I think his foot was getting the best of him, it was a sad ending but he is back home and he will live to fight another day.

Spare Parts: winner of seven races last seasonCredit: Claire Mackay

"At Lingfield Nicola knew within strides something was wrong and she pulled him up very quick and the vets at the track did a great job with him too. It will be a long way back but like any athlete he will heal and at some point he will make a nice hack or a riding horse."

Spare Parts along with Captain Lars shared the £10,000 prize for the all-weather's winningmost horse with seven wins – he was also nominated for Outstanding All-Weather Horse at the ROA Awards.

McEntee added: "There were so many good days with him. Having his day on Finals day was very special but the icing on the cake was going to the ROA Awards.

"It was brilliant to be rubbing shoulders with Willie Mullins, John Gosden and Nicky Henderson in London and it was all down to him."

Spare Parts helped give McEntee's Newmarket yard its best season in winners and prize-money, and it is clear the horse has had a long-lasting effect on everyone involved at Racefields Stables.

"My daughter Grace was starting out when we bought him at the sales and he was one of the first horses she rode, he gave her the bug for racing," he said.

"Nicola Currie was claiming 7lb and he launched her career too. Steve Jakes [owner] is a great supporter so it was great for him too and my farrier Sean Edwards did a brilliant job throughout as well.

"My yard were buzzing with him. Every day people were excited about his next run. He was a fun horse and brilliant to be a part of."

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