Clan Des Obeaux, Sir Alex Ferguson-owned chaser who won the King George VI Chase twice, has been retired.
The 11-year-old has missed the whole campaign due to injury having not run since he captured a second Aintree Bowl 12 months ago.
And days after abandoned an attempt to bring him back to defend his crown at this week’s Grand National meeting, trainer Paul Nicholls has announced his retirement.
Jointly owned by former Manchester United manager Ferguson, Paul Barber and Ged Mason, Clan Des Obeaux won more than £1 million, five times at Grade 1 level, including the King George in 2018 and 2019.
"We are announcing that we are retiring Clan Des Obeaux,” Nicholls told Betfair.
"He’s got a minor injury which just keeps niggling him, it’s not going to come right and even if we give him another six months off we’ll be in the same situation this time next year.
"So, having a chat with Paul Barber, Jed Mason and Alex Ferguson, between us we decided that he’s been such a wonderful horse - he’s won two King Georges, two Aintree bowls, the Punchestown Gold Cup. He’s been an amazing horse.
"He’s had a fantastic career, I think he’s won over £1m in prize money.
"He’s going to have a happy retirement.
"He’ll have a little bit of time off, probably needs six months out in the field, and we’ll find another job for him.
"I think winning at Punchestown the season before last, that was a good day, to go and beat the Irish on their home ground was good.”
