Imperial Commander retires: H&H celebrates his career in pics

2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander has been retired, and could be set for a career in showing.

The 12-year-old gelding, by Flemensfirth, ran in his final race last Saturday (30 November) — the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

Owner Ian Robinson from Our Friends in the North syndicate told H&H Imperial Commander is in “great order” since the race, and could be looking at a new career in the show ring.

“He’ll be going back to Mount Top Stud near Belfast where he spends his summers, and then we’ll decide what he’ll do.

“I think he’ll do some showing. We’re not sure if he’ll be any good, but he’ll certainly like all the attention.

“He’s still relatively young so we’d like him do something and enjoy it before he’s put out in the field.”

Imperial Commander, who is trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, was pulled up in last week’s Hennessy and retired.

“He gave me a great ride for a long way,” said jockey Paddy Brennan. “He was telling me going to the cross fence that time was up and I didn’t dare squeeze him.

“He deserves his retirement and I have to thank him for what he has done for my career. He has been very special.”

In 2010 Imperial Commander was referred to as the “forgotten horse” after he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which had been billed as match between previous winners Kauto Star and Denman.

He won 8 races — including the 2010 Betfair Chase, in which he was beaten by a nose by Kauto Star the year before.

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