Randell re-retires after Ratify carries her to thrilling final victory

Sally Randell reapplied for her riding licence specifically to partner Ratify in the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Memorial Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle race. She loves the old boy, who is 14 years young, rides him every day at home, and thought he could carry her to victory. He did not let her down.

Randell, partner of Ratify's trainer Fergal O'Brien, promptly re-retired. She turns 34 during Cheltenham next week and now is a member of a very rare club. She has ended her riding career having won her final race over fences and hurdles.

"That was fantastic," said Randell. "He's the only reason I came back to ride in this race. Five years ago was the last time I rode in this race and I won it. My granddad died that morning and I said I just wanted to ride in it one more time and there was nothing I wanted to ride until Ratify came along.