Grand National winner Don’t Push It is retired

Don’t Push It – the horse aboard whom AP McCoy famously won his first Grand National – has been retired.

The 2010 Grand National winner, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by JP McManus, will spend his retirement at Mr McManus’s Martinstown Stud in Co Limerick.

The win was a first in 15 attempts at the Grand National for jockey AP McCoy. It was also a first win for the trainer and owner.

Despite being in good health, disappointing work at home prompted the decision. The 12 year-old by Old Vic finished sixth in his last run, at Cheltenham, in November.

“He’s in great form, and he’s doing everything grand at home, but he’s just not showing us the same old sparkle,” Mr O’Neill told press. “We are doing the right thing in retiring him.”

AP McCoy tweeted today (Tuesday 10 January): “I am sad that Don’t Push It has been retired as he gave me the greatest day in my racing life, but happy that he is retiring safe and sound. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Jackdaws Castle but a special mention for Alan Berry who looked after him so well.”

Don’t Push It won eight races from 29 starts, and also finished third in the 2011 Grand National behind Ballabriggs and Oscar Time

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