Connections have referred to as time on the profession of top-class hurdler Buveur D’Air, with JP McManus’ racing supervisor Frank Berry hailing the twin Champion Hurdle hero a “incredible horse”.
A winner of no fewer than eight Grade 1s for Nicky Henderson, he bows out on the age of 11 after connections determined towards returning him to full coaching for an additional marketing campaign.
His last look got here when ending down the sector in final season’s Morebattle Hurdle following an 11-month absence, however the slick-jumping performer might be finest remembered for his back-to-back Champion Hurdle triumphs in 2017 and 2018.
Rated 172 at his peak, the French recruit additionally gained back-to-back runnings of the Preventing Fifth Hurdle, whereas additional top-level successes got here within the High Novices’ Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Christmas Hurdle and Punchestown Champion Hurdle.
In his early days at Seven Barrows he carried the colors of Potensis Bloodstock Ltd and Chris Giles, however he was offered to affix McManus forward of the 2016-17 season.
Berry advised the Racing Publish: “He’s been a incredible horse – it’s laborious to seek out the likes of him. His two Champion Hurdles had been sensible however we had some nice days with him.
“Nicky and his crew did a beautiful job with him over time. All credit score to them for conserving him sound and conserving him going.”
Berry added: “He’s going to have a great retirement. He’ll have good companions down in Martinstown in relation to Champion Hurdle winners.
“He simply had a couple of little points and wasn’t fairly firing on all cylinders so it appeared like a great time for him to retire now slightly than begin him again for the winter.”
Buveur D’Air gained 17 of his 27 profession begins, amassing simply over £1.2 million in prize-money.
Courtesy of Racing Publish.