CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 12: Our Vic ridden by Timmy Murphy jumps the final fence to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup during the Cheltenham Race meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse on November 12, 2005 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)
National Hunt hero Our Vic, who won over £700,000 during his eight-year career, has been fully retired to the National Stud in Newmarket.
The now 23-year-old’s biggest career win came when he landed the Totesport Bowl at Aintree, beating Kauto Start by a nose in 2008 and the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in the same year. He also won the Renoldstown at Ascot in 2004.
Trained initially by Martin Pipe and latterly by his son David, Our Vic is owned by the Johnson family and was ridden by Timmy Murphy for most of his victories.
Our Vic, who is by Old Vic, was retired from racing 10 years ago and went to live out his days with Timmy Murphy at his home, Cildara Stud. But the gelding did not take to his new life in retirement and so was sent to the British Racing School (BRS) in Newmarket to help teach budding young jockeys how to ride, as a form of semi-retirement.
A British Racing School statement reads: “During his time at The BRS he would have helped hundreds of young trainees learn their craft and provided a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for some to say they have ridden a Grade One-winning racehorse.”
Timmy Murphy added: “I would like to wish a very happy second retirement to ‘Victor’. What a legend he has been for me and everyone at BRS. He was the very first winner I rode for Mr Johnson in the Renoldstown at Ascot and we had many great days after the Ryanair at Cheltenham and the Bowl at Aintree being two of his finest days. Enjoy!”.
Our Vic ran in a total of 35 races during his illustrious career, clocking up 14 wins, six second places and two thirds.
and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
