In May 2010 we bade a fond farewell to our star chaser Well Chief. The ever popular chestnut, who won the Arkle Chase as well as finishing runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle and twice in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, was retired after his last run, fittingly in this year's renewal of the Champion Chase. He had a fine career winning two races on the flat in Germany before being bought by David Johnson. He won his debut hurdle race in this country at Taunton and went on to win a further two hurdle races which included the Elite hurdle at Wincanton and the Adonis hurdle at Kempton. He scaled even greater heights as a chaser as mentioned winning the Arkle on only his second ever start over the larger obstacles. Other notable successes included carrying top weight to victory in the Victor Chandler chase giving over a stone to his rivals, The Celebration Chase at Sandown, The Game Spirit at Newbury and his final success came in the Connaught Chase at Cheltenham in November 2009. This is not to mention his numerous placed races in top class events and all this despite his well documented injury problems, in which his legs have been described as “like glass”. This only heightens the respect and love for this talented horse who was guided to these levels expertly by both Martin and latterly David. He amassed more than £631,000.00 in prize money in a career which spanned eight years. He ran 32 times which included 12 wins under all codes and 12 places. He truly was a remarkable horse on the race track if not slightly quirky to ride at home! He was extremely kind natured and was loved by everyone at Pond House.
Chiefy is spending his retirement with Timmy Murphy, who enjoyed so many wonderful moments on our stable star. He is turned out with another old favourite from Pond House, Vodka Bleu and I am sure that they will both enjoy a long and happy retirement. Below are few pictures of Well Chief after winning his last race at Cheltenham and at his new home out at grass.
