Bristol De Mai, the five-time Haydock winner and multiple grade one winner, has retired at age of 12.

His last four wins came at the Merseyside racecourse.

The 2020 Betfair Chase was the last time he crossed the line in front, defeating Clan Des Obeaux by two lengths.

He was also awarded the 2022 edition of the Grade 3 Grand National Trial after the winner The Galloping Bear was disqualified.

Haydock was not the only track the grey featured at he also ran in the Grand National won by Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times in 2021.

Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies throughout a heroic career, Bristol De Mai made an instant impact by winning the 2014 Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on his first appearance.

In all he won five Grade 1s and ran in three Gold Cups in which his efforts saw him finish third behind Al Boum Photo and Anibale Fly in 2019.

After finishing a distant 11th behind Quick Wave on Saturday at his beloved Haydock connections announced his retirement today.

Part-owner Simon Munir tweeted: “Team Double Green are announcing the retirement of Bristol De Mai. It has been a privilege to own him.

“Bristol has been a legend and retires 100 per cent sound and happy. Our thanks to Nigel, Sparky, Daryl and all at Grange Farm.

“It has been a wonderful journey that he has taken us all on!”

Jockey Daryl Jacob also shared many memories with the popular grey and took to Twitter to thank the veteran.

(Pic by Carine06 under the Creative Commons licence)

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