See More Business, 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and one of the top chasers of recent years, has retired at the age of 14.
His owners, Paul Barber and Sir Robert Ogden made the decision following the geldings recent recovery from a short illness.
Paul Nicholls, who has trained See More Business throughout the geldings racing career was effusive in his praise of the horse, but realised that it was time to call it a day.
Paul said: See More Business has always been a real thrill for the crowds to watch and a pleasure to train. Hes proved himself a top-class horse and helped to make my stables what they are today.
“Despite his age we had hoped hed go on to win more races this season and retire on a high. However, following his recent illness, now is the right time for him to bow out.
The 14-year-old chaser has accumulated an amazing 18 victories from 36 starts in his remarkable nine season jumping career, including wins in the King George VI Chase in 1997 and 1999 and victory in the 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Mick Fitzgerald partnered See More Business for the first time in the 1999 Gold Cup, and went on to enjoy a fruitful relationship with the gelding.
The jockey described him as one of the best Ive ever ridden. He was a real fighter.
This was borne out when the horse suffered a serious fall at Chepstow at the end of 2001, and it was mooted that the horse should be retired. Despite his fall he then went on to finish third to Best Mate in the Gold Cup.
See More Business is hugely popular among race-goers, not least because of his continued success in spite of his advancing years. He will parade at the Wessex Racing Festival at Wincanton on 21 February to mark his retirement.
