Tissues at the ready as Cue Card joins Sandown's parade of champions

Jean Bishop is preparing for tears at Sandown on Saturday as jumps fans get the chance to say goodbye to her much-loved superstar Cue Card.

On an afternoon when racegoers also bid farewell to former Sandown stalwart Sire De Grugy, retired during the winter, Cue Card will be one of many stars who will be walking but not galloping on the final day of the season.

In the parade of champions, scheduled to take place between 12.40pm and 12.50pm, Cue Card and Sire De Grugy will be joined by Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River, Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D'Air, King George VI Chase winner Might Bite, Betfair Chase winner Bristol De Mai and Melling Chase winner Politologue.

"I think we're going to need to bring plenty of tissues," said Bishop, who will be joined by a number of family members at Sandown.

Team Cue Card (from left to right): Jean Bishop, Paddy Brennan and Hameer Singh, Cue Card's groomCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's going to be a sad day, but mainly it will be a happy day. The horse is going to get some lovely recognition, which is nice, and he deserves it. We're happy for him.

"He'll be staying with Colin [Tizzard, trainer] and we'll be going to see him on a regular basis, just as we've done this week."

Cue Card – whose special Racing Post tribute book is now available to pre-order – will also parade in front of the grandstands before the bet365 Celebration Chase.

Before that racegoers can show their appreciation for his long service to racing by writing a few words in a six-foot retirement card, which will be positioned in the Surrey Hall and outside the paddock throughout the day before being presented by the Racing Post to the 12-year-old's connections.

Also in attendance at Sandown will be Menorah, winner of the first four runnings of Sandown's Oaksey Chase. He is now enjoying retirement with Richard Johnson, who will be crowned champion jockey in the end-of-season awards ceremony that will take place in the paddock at around 1pm, when the horse of the season will also be announced.

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